The group’s tent is located just in front of the Palau Gymnasium, urging the Micro Games athletes to participate in a survey on HIV awareness and sportsmanship.
Natanya Potol, Coordinator of Voices of the Athletes, said they mainly advise athletes on HIV, leadership and drug-free sports. “We take them through activities that include a survey on how much they know about HIV and advice on sportsmanship,” Potol said.
“A lot of kids think that a mosquito carries HIV,” Potol explained. “That’s not true. Or they even say that sharing cups transmit HIV. We try to correct these misconceptions.”
Once the kids complete the test, Potol’s team rewards them with a free T-shirt. Although the athletes are not required to participate in the activities, Potol said they try to encourage them to take the survey.
With Potol are fellow athletes who are sports medalists in swimming, wrestling and athletics from all around Oceania.
“It’s a case of athletes talking to athletes,” Potol said. The group’s message is simple: ‘Be a leader. Play safe. Play true.’
