Athletes warned of HIV/AIDS dangers at Youth Olympics
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The United Nations staged on an information session on HIV/AIDS at the Youth Olympic Village on Tuesday, warning athletes from several countries about the dangers of infection.
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) ran a workshop involving games and a quiz to raise awareness and address misconceptions about the disease and to educate these young athletes on its prevention.
"There are still a lot of young people who get affected by HIV," said Dawn Foreringham, the UNAIDS regional programme advisor for Asia and Pacific.
"That's why 14-18 years old (the age of the Youth Olympic participants) is the appropriate age group to deliver our messages." she added.
Athletes who had no competitions on Tuesday joined in the lecture and learned that the three ways of easily catching virus.
Through a "game of risk", they also became aware that there is a low risk of infection through cuts while playing football and zero risk if someone shakes hands with a HIV patient.
The first Youth Olympics, held in Singapore on Aug. 14 to 26, is a sporting event for athletes aged between 14 to 18, balancing sport, culture and education.
The athletes will participate in 26 sports competitions and a Culture and Education Programme with its themes ranging from Olympic values, skills development to social responsibilities.
