Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - November 7, 2004
Suthentira Govender
Architecture for Humanity, a non-profit organisation based in New York that promotes design solutions to humanitarian crises, challenged designers to create ôthe perfect soccer pitchö. It will be home to the girlsÆ football league in Somkhele, near Hlabisa in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Former professional soccer player and Survivor Africa winner Ethan Zohn is part of the jury that will select three finalists.
But it will be members of the girlsÆ soccer team who will put the final stamp of approval on the winning design, to be unveiled on December 1 ù World Aids Day ù at an exhibition in New York.
The soccer facility, which will be run by the Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, is in keeping with a trend throughout Africa of using sport to educate young people about HIV/Aids.
The pitch has been earmarked for completion early next year.
Rhana Naicker, the Africa CentreÆs programmes manager, said the competition was conceived after Architecture for Humanity founder and director Cameron Sinclair visited the centre earlier this year.
Sinclair challenged architects throughout the world to design a soccer facility including a field, sideline benches and a small clubhouse.
It has to be built for $5000, using local labour and building materials.
More than 250 teams from 37 countries answered the call.
Naicker plans to use the facility to educate youngsters, girls in particular, about HIV/Aids before they go onto the field.
041107
ST041109
Copyright © 2004 - The Sunday Times. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Sunday Times Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2004. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .