The spread and impact of HIV/AIDS has dramatic effects in the world of sport as well. The HIV epidemic primarily affects children and young people in the prime of their life. And precisely children, young people and adults up to age 45 are active in sports. It means that sport organisations in developing countries increasingly find that athletes, coaches, staff, volunteers and members become ill and die, must be absent, or resign because they have to care for sick relatives.

In short, there are plenty of reasons for sport organisations to tackle this problem energetically and methodically. On the one hand, it means providing for new influx by recruiting new volunteers, members, coaches etc. On the other hand, many sport organisations will need to develop programmes for their present staff and members to prevent the spread of the virus. For people who have already been infected, a safe and supportive environment must be created. Athletes, especially when they have HIV, need to be sure that their sport organisation is a safe place.

See also the 'Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work' which has been developed by ILO and UNAIDS.

"Things are very bad in the community where I come from. It is a rural area. Rural areas are badly neglected. The roads are in poor condition. There is only one hospital in the entire area. Obviously, the children here do not have access to health education. Almost everyone here is infected with the HIV virus. Most children are orphans. All around us we see parents and other relatives dying. I have lost four uncles and one aunt to HIV/ AIDS. I saw them suffering. Then I decided to do something about it." Interview with coach Kelvin (Right To Play)