Soccer v HIV in Africa

Following up yesterday's horrid story about FIFA refusing to allow distribution of condoms at the upcoming World Cup in South Africa (a country with one of highest HIV infection rates in the world), Shaker rhiain dropped a link to a really wonderful organization, Grassroot Soccer.

Now, it's no surprise to many of you, I think, how much I love that game. I still play every week, nearing 44 and using a cane most of the time (but not while playing! - then, I just take a lot more pain pills), just because I enjoy it so much. So when I see a group who are using the game I adore to do good works, well, that's a time when Caitie gets all squeeful.

This group is using the love of the game, shared by so many people, to spread good HIV prevention, life skills education, and safer sex practices to people growing up in areas with very high infection rates - not just in Africa, but also in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic, a little closer to home for most Shakers.

Anyway, they do a good thing, and like any group doing a good thing, they can always use more support. I'm going to be taking this information to my soccer team myself tomorrow, see if we can come up with fun ways to raise some money for the organization - maybe put together a marathon game or something.

I have no connection to the group at all - I just really like what they're doing, how they're doing it, and want to boost their profile here. They've got a great page listing ideas of how people can help them in their mission, beyond just giving money (although they can find uses for money too!).

If you're in a position to help, it'd be a great teaspoon to do so.

Tip of the CaitieCap to Shaker rhiain, for the awesome link.