Ten years ago, the Kicking AIDS Out! network pioneered the use of sport to innovatively educate youth about the challenges they face in their everyday lives and address the challenges of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Southern Africa.

From a concept initiated in Zambia by Oscar Mwaanga, today the international network has evolved not only to educate, but also empower youth using sport in 27 countries around the world. As a testament to this, sports enthusiast and young leader Ato Rockcliffe from the Caribbean believes, “You cannot attribute change to one thing, but it is largely to Kicking AIDS Out! training that I am the person I am today.”

Speaking at the 10^th anniversary celebrations on behalf of the Supreme Council of Sport in Africa Zone VI, General Manager Mr Charles Dzimba recognised the network as “Not only about social empowerment, it’s also about sport development. In partnership with the Zone VI, and the UK hosts of the 2012 Olympics, we are fostering strengthening of sport development structures through our Sport Education and Accreditation System.”

The Kicking AIDS Out! Network is supported by international sport bodies: the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF), Commonwealth Games Canada and UK Sport.

ONOC is also a member of the Kicking AIDS Out! Network and utilizes its curriculum through the STOP HIV Program.  According to Margaret Eastgate being part of the 10th Anniversary celebrations in Johannesburg was a priviledged opportunity to meet with the pioneers of the network and learn more about its journey.

By using sport, the network members engage youth in programmes that are not only about physical activity, but encourage youth to use the same skills they use on the sports field to educate themselves and others. Mr. Bjorn Omar Evju of NIF, commended the partners for their tremendous contribution and the individuals who had pioneered the concept and structure of the Network. He said the Network is a true symbol of what partnership is and he urged the Network to continue improving and developing.

The network is also recognized by governments; speaking on behalf of the Zambian Government, His Excellency Lt. Col Bizwayo Newton said ‘The Zambian Government through the Sixth National Development Plan has laid out as a priority the investment of economic and social resources in the development of youth and in the interventions addressing HIV/AIDS, especially initiatives that are youth led such as the Kicking AIDS Out program.”

Mr Dzimba closed the evening by saying, “I am aware of the enormous potential we have to unlock greater capabilities and opportunities for youth in sport and beyond the sporting sphere.”

Kicking AIDS Out! shows that youth around the world have the power to educate and enhance their lives through sport and through the training methods from the network now also have the power to do so.

To find out more about the Kicking AIDS Out! network, please visit www.kickingaidsout.net