New Delhi, Nov 29 (IANS): The union government has roped in the sports ministry to create more awareness about AIDS among the youth in villages, districts and at the state level.

The Department of AIDS Control Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Sports so that sports administrators, coaches and players can spread awareness about AIDS.

“Minimising the risk of HIV transmission on and outside the sports field; involve youth organisations, sports federations in HIV/AIDS prevention activities; promote awareness generation through hoardings and banners at eminent places and sports infrastructure during state/national events and tournaments; and involve eminent sports personalities for addressing social stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS,” the MoU read.

The sports ministry will now use its agencies -- Sports Authority of India (SAI), National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), Lakshmibai National University of Physical Education (LNUPE), National Sports Federations (NSFs) -- and other sports bodies for creating awareness about HIV/AIDS.

According to the MoU “these bodies will prioritise HIV/AIDS activities in various sports events and encourage sportspersons to associate with HIV/AIDS awareness programmes.”

During sporting events, hoardings/panels for promotion of HIV/AIDS awareness will be put up at the venues.

The Department of Sports will identify sports personalities to become goodwill ambassadors to reduce stigma and discrimination against HIV victims and also encourage wearing of red ribbons by players during major sports events to reflect and strengthen commitment to HIV/AIDS programme.

Department of AIDS Control will provide technical support in capacity building on HIV/AIDS for sportspersons, trainees and staff of sports organisations and federations. They will also provide technical support by sharing material for awareness generation activities and provide technical assistance to the Department of Sports on HIV awareness in ongoing activities.