eMZINONI – More than 200 pupils and residents joined the Discovery Sports Heroes and the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation’s 5 km Walk Against Aids Campaign on Wednesday, 26 November.
This was to create awareness around the dangers and risks associated with Aids and the walk began at the Raymond Mavuso Community Hall and ended at the eMzinoni Stadium.
Mr Freddy Nkambule, MMC for Community Services, said it was to support people who are affected by and infected with the virus and to encourage those who are negative to maintain their status
“We encourage the community to participate in sports activities and ask pupils to refrain from substance abuse and unprotected sex.
“Abstain if it is possible.”
He thanked Ms Cynthia Tshaka, SABC sports presenter and founder of Sports Heroes, for bringing Sports Heroes to eMzinoni.
Ms Tshaka began the initiative in 2002 and it is a non-profit organisation of sports players who are involved in the fight against HIV/Aids.
Various sports clinics, such as rope skipping, netball, soccer and volleyball, were conducted by well known sportsmen, such as Josia Thungwane, Desree Ellis,Cynthia Tshaka, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Sindisiwe Gumede, Zintle Zinqe and Bruce Ramokadi.
Sanitary towels and sports kits were handed over to the various schools and non-profit organisations that took part in the campaign.
Voluntary counselling and testing and overall health screenings were conducted throughout the day.
