Colin Stone, the organiser and treasurer of the Soul City Sports Club, says: “In commemorating World Aids Day this year, we want to encourage people to take the OneLove campaign seriously. The message is to ensure that you protect yourself and your loved ones by having one sexual partner. OneLove is a massive regional campaign to get people to think about the risk of multiple concurrent sexual partnerships in relation to getting infected with HIV and to discuss cultural and other stereotypes that support this risky behaviour.”
After the race, a fun day of activities for the whole family is planned at the University of Johannesburg from 10am. Entry to the fun day is free and visitors can enjoy food stalls, jumping castles and face painting for children as well as health check ups. These will include HIV tests, diabetes, eye and cholesterol tests.
The initiative is being supported by some of South Africa’s top musical talent, who will also be performing on the day - Bucie, Siphokazi, Danny K, Zuluboy and Zonke.
The Soul City Sports Club, which hosts the event, was formed three years ago and is about promoting sports and exercise for improved health.
Stone explains that the race route is significant. “The race starts and ends at the University, which emphasizes the importance of education in our lives. As they run past the Johannesburg General Hospital, participants are reminded of the importance of the health sector and the major role that Soul City has played in health development. The SABC is next and symbolizes the crucial role the mass media has played in raising awareness of Soul City’s health messages. Given the political history of South Africa, Constitution Hill evokes memories of how far we have come, whilst the importance of arts and culture are brought to mind when running past the Market Theatre. Fordsburg and Vrededorp evoke the cultural diversity in our communities and the importance of exercise in living a healthy lifestyle,” he says.
For more information about the race or to register online, visit www.enteronline.co.za.
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www.onelovesouthernafrica.org
For further information or interviews please call Onyx Marketing Communications: Despina Harito on +27 11 452 1840 or 084 453 1755/ despina@onyxmarketing.co.za