Cricket Fiji in conjunction with UNAIDS 'Run Out AIDS' day, 2006
December 1st celebrates World AIDS day around the globe, and cricketing bodies have been taking part in the ICC and UNAIDS partnership called, "Run out AIDS," since 2003. This year for the first time, Cricket Fiji held an event to help spread the awarenes
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On Tuesday 28th November, five schools were invited to take part in the "Run out AIDS campaign, 2006" which was held at Albert Park, Suva. The day began at 9am, with spokespersons from UNAIDS and Cricket Fiji to open the event. There were also representatives from Fiji's ministry of health and the women's crisis centre who attended.
UNAIDS were presented with a bat from Cricket Fiji which had a plaque engraved on it;
"CRICKET FIJI IN CONJUNCTION WITH UNAIDS RUN OUT AIDS, 2006"
Once all the formalities were over and done with, it was time for the fun to begin! There were two separate games going at the one time, and four National Cricketers running both activities; Colin Rika, Jo Rika, Josaia Baba and Iniasi Cakacaka. Two schools were competing in Diamond Cricket, and another two teams competing in Rapid Fire. The fifth school, were able to take part in the AIDS awareness sessions which was run by a representative from the ministry of health. These sessions were not only informative but included some fun games and trivia which the kids were eager to learn quickly in order to score the prizes!
Each of the schools were just about done for the day and with the BBQ cooking in the background, the kids couldn't wait to get their hands on a sausage and can of soft drink, which was kindly provided to all participating schools by Cricket Fiji and UNAIDS.
The day was a huge success with all teachers and organisations complementing the way the event had been run.
To help celebrate World AIDS day, red ribbons were worn by organisers, teachers and Fijian Cricketers and all the men also wore white ribbons to support the women's crisis centre with their "stop violence against women," campaign.
The day finished up by 1pm, with Cricket Fiji vowing to continue their support of UNAIDS in future events and cricket matches. The inaugural event will definitely be one to mark in next year's calendar, with the hope to make an even bigger and exciting day for all!