Sports and HIV/AIDS Education at TTRCS Youth Information and Fun Day

Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross (TTRCS) volunteers, families and friends had a full day of sports and HIV/AIDS education at their inaugural "Together We Can (TWC) Youth Information and Fun Day" at the Police Training College grounds, St James on Saturday August 21, 2004.

The event was organized by those involved in the TTRCS' TWC Peer Education Project, which is based on the Together We Can peer education programme. The aim of the project is to educate teens and young people about HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), as well as to minimize stigma and discrimination towards Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs).

The day opened with a march past, not with the customary drums and trumpets, but local soca music played by a deejay.

The all-male Friends for Life Caution Crew won the small parade of three teams. Friends for Life is a non-governmental organization based in the capital, Port of Spain , which offers care and support for PLWHAs.

Following the parade, the national anthem was sung and a Red Cross prayer recited. TTRCS Public Relations Officer Judy Boopsingh then read out the prepared message from TTRCS President Dr Mitra Sinanan, who was unavoidable absent.

Dr Sinanan thanked all those involved in the planning and organization of the day, and highlighted the need for continued education of youth to fight the spread of HIV. He described the event as a day of "celebration of life and one another" and invited all to enjoy the day and be open to learning more about HIV/AIDS. Ms Boopsingh then declared the Fun Day officially open on behalf of the president.

With deejay music blasting from large speaker boxes, the fun events and sport races were run off. Some of the fun events were the Slip and Slide, Egg Toss, Scotsman Strut, and the ever-popular musical chairs.

The many children in attendance - including some from the Cyril Ross Home for children living with HIV/AIDS - went wild over the horse rides offered by the nearby Mounted Branch of the Police Service. Later, there was a canine display by the Police Service's Canine Division. The day closed with a high-energy Aerobic Burnout.

Those not involved in the fun activities took the time to visit the Red Cross booth nearby, filled with information about HIV/AIDS, and the work of the Red Cross Movement.

Posters on HIV/AIDS and plaques with information about the movement's principles were on display. A few people looked through the Together We Can booklet and others viewed the photo display of Red Cross volunteers at work.