Cell Smart/Digicel, NAPS & GCF to collaborate continuously

Feb 10, 2010 Sports

Sports to be used as medium for AIDS Education among other initiatives

By Franklin Wilson

Sunday’s inaugural HIV/AIDS Awareness 20-lap 50-mile ride sponsored by Cell Smart/Digicel in collaboration with the Kaieteur Cycle Club and the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) is the first of many such events that will be used to promote Education about the deadly scourge affecting mankind.

This commitment was given by Cell Smart Country Manager David Atkinson who was speaking at the launch of Sunday’s cycle race on Monday at Digicel’s headquarters, Duke Street, Kingstown.

David Atkinson

“Our involvement with the whole AIDS programme does not end on Sunday. We envision that probably monthly or every two months or so, we’ll be having testing in our stores in conjunction with NAPS, so it will be an ongoing thing.”

Cell Smart/Digicel were driven towards this initiative to honour the memory of a former employee who succumbed to symptoms associated with HIV/AIDS. Atkinson stated at Monday’s press conference to unveil that race that this is something they will be doing annually to build HIV/AIDS awareness and also to promote healthy lifestyles.

“Our aim is that everyone should know about the dangers, how to prevent, how to get tested and how to be careful.” Atkinson also informed that it is their intention to also collaborate with the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) to run off a number of other events.

“We have spoken about the possibility of a larger event. Cell Smart operates stores in Georgetown, Vreed-den-Hoop, Linden, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall and Corriverton, so we’ll be doing events out there in conjunction with the cycling federation to enhance the development of the sport.”

Awareness of HIV/AIDS in Guyana Atkinson was adamant needs to be increased and is encouraging media houses to do their bit in ensuring persons are exposed to education.

NAPS Community Mobalisation Coordinator Nazim Hussain shared that HIV/AIDS has been around in Guyana for 20 odd years, it is time that people should get it right.

“Cell Smart has got it right. They are looking at young people and their future and NAPS will go into communities and help those that would need help. Here it is, an entity is not thinking all about money but is giving back some of their profits in a way where all can be involved and where people can be made aware.

I’m quite sure that as the year goes by, we will see Cell Smart coming on board with other health activities not only AIDS but on World Health day and World No Tobacco among other activities.”

Atkinson is also encouraging spectators to come out on Sunday to not only enjoy what he has promised would be an exciting race but to visit the NAPS booth to learn as much as they can about the disease.

Special prizes and giveaways will be given to spectators. Race time is 10:00hrs on Sunday morning with the race expected to start on Carifesta Avenue, outside the NIS Sports Club.