'Sport helps remove HIV stigma in children'

Involving children infected with HIV in sports is the best way to fight the stigma and discrimination attached to the disease, said Dr J V R Prasada, special envoy to the secretary general of
the United Nations on HIV/AIDS.

Speaking at an event organised to encourage HIV-affected children in sports here on Friday, Rao said: “The mission is to normalise the lives of children infected with HIV/AIDS. The children are not stereotyped as ‘sick’ but seen as one who can participate physically and mentally in sports and other daily activities.”

“Government programmes should also have a strong component to involve these kids in sports activities as a part of their programmes, both at the Central and state government level,” he added.

Marking the World Aids Day on December 1, Bangalore Schools Sports Foundation (BSSF) has organised the 10th edition of the “Champion In Me” sports meet. It will be held on November 24 with the theme ‘Celebrating Our Lives’ at the Snehadaan campus on Sarjapur Road.

It will also invite Asian countries for the upcoming ‘Champion In Me - 2020’ in Thailand, where children from across the continent will participate regardless of their health and social status.