In commemoration of World Aids Day, 1 December, 2011, Dominica’s National HIV/AIDs Response Unit has teamed up with the US Peace Corps to organize Dominica’s first ever Triathlon Relay.
The Unit has invited participants and volunteers from all over Dominica who want to take part in this groundbreaking event, with prospects of making it an annual matter. Almost 50 participants are expected to compete in the triathlon relay, in and around the town of Portsmouth, with each team trekking over 10 miles by water, bike, and on foot.
Racers will take off from Cabrits National Park and swim their way to Purple Turtle Beach where they will tag a teammate who will begin the bike portion of the race. The biking route will take the competitors through Portsmouth and East on a six mile loop around Borne. The final leg is a 3 mile foot race, the finish line of which will be at Benjamin Park, where participants will then be treated to a Community Festival.
Prior to race day, however, triathlon participants will train as Community Change Agents to raise general awareness about the threat of HIV/AIDS in Dominica. Community Change Agents will work on various community HIV/AIDS awareness projects, calling attention to the importance of World AIDS Day.
The National HIV/AIDS Response Unit asserts that the need for increased awareness about HIV and AIDS, pervasive stigma and discrimination, and general dis-empowerment about sexual health in the Dominican community are all issues contributing to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The educational seminars and community outreach programs for the 2011 World AIDS Day Triathlon Relay are designed to address these issues.
The first information session and registration meeting will be on Friday June 29th at 9am and again at 6pm for those who cannot make the morning meeting. The meeting will be held at the Roseau City Council Boardroom.
Race organizers can be contacted at [email protected] or on Facebook – World AIDS Day Triathlon Relay.
Very good. I would love to be part of this.
Great! If you would like to be a part of it, please attend the meeting Friday 29th July mentioned in the article or email [email protected] for more information. We would love to have you participate!