Together for HIV and AIDS prevention

Why this toolkit
1.1 Introduction and Background
Section1
“The world of sport is not separate from the rest of the world.
Sport breaks down barriers, promotes self-esteem, and can teach life
skills and healthy behaviour. Athletes can be an inspiration and role
models for the youth of the world.”
International Olympic Committee, President Jacques Rogge
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognizes and is concerned with the extent of the AIDS
pandemic. Every age group and community from the young to the old, from the poor to the rich is
affected. This in turn has had a devastating impact on the productivity of society and has taken a great
toll on the breadwinners of families, resulting in the living standards of many dropping. It has drained
resources that could have been used for major development projects. The sports community has not
been spared.
Olympism is a philosophy, combining in a balanced way the qualities of body, mind and will. It is a
way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example and respect for
universal fundamental ethical principles. Its core values are placing sport at the service of human
development, including:
● promoting of peace through sport;
● preserving human dignity and confronting any form of discrimination;
● protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development; and
● supporting education and culture.
As such, the AIDS pandemic is an affront to Olympism and the IOC is committed to fulfil its
obligations to respond for the good of all, and to make contributions to finding solutions to
social problems through sport. Within this framework, the IOC cooperates with competent public
and private organizations and authorities in endeavours to place sport at the service of humanity.
Recognizing the impact that HIV and AIDS is having on young sports people and on the population
at large; on 1 June 2004, the IOC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Joint
United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, in which both
organizations agreed to combine their efforts to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, particularly
among the sport community.
The main objectives of the MoU are to:
● exchange regular information and lessons learned in order to enhance the role of sports
organizations in the fight against AIDS at community and national levels; and organize AIDS
Together for HIV and AIDS prevention 11