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International Olympic Committee will focus on AIDS awareness
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International Olympic Committee will focus on AIDS awareness
International Olympic Committee will focus on AIDS awareness
The International Olympic Committee and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS on Tuesday announced a joint effort between the two organizations to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, particularly among athletes at this summer's Olympic Games in Athens. The groups will organize HIV awareness activities with coaches, athletes, and sports personalities and will produce and distribute HIV awareness cards for all 11,000 athletes taking part in the Summer Games. The two organizations also will join with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on June 17-18 to hold an Olympic sport and HIV/AIDS workshop in Johannesburg, South Africa, that will focus on efforts to use sports to educate people, particularly youth, about HIV. "Sport breaks down barriers, promotes self-esteem, and can teach life skills and healthy behavior," said IOC president Jacques Rogge. "Athletes can be an inspiration and role models for the youth of the world."