World Vision's Second Annual AIDS Cycle Relay

September 4, 2002

Almost two months after the World AIDS Conference in Barcelona, another international group will meet to talk about AIDS in Africa. They will not debate policy. No rights groups are expected to protest. The closest posh hotel will be hundreds of miles away. They are not politicians, doctors or pharmaceutical executives. They’re cyclists. And for nearly four weeks during World Vision’s second annual AIDS Cycle Relay, they will ride more than 3,000 miles through some of the most desolate regions in the world. Their mission: to bring education, awareness, and most importantly, hope to AIDS-ravaged communities throughout southern Africa.

The 30 international cyclists, including two Americans, will make stops along their route through Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho.

The AIDS Cycle Relay places riders at AIDS’ “ground zero,” where the disease permeates every aspect of society. The relay will focus on Africa and those most affected by the virus: parents, orphaned children, and extended families and communities strapped with the responsibility of raising orphans.

Combating widespread despair, the relay brings a message of hope. Awareness presentations educate Africans about AIDS, and empower them to fight it.

The relay serves as a practical and efficient way to bring information about AIDS to remote communities. The large local crowds drawn to the relay become audiences for presentations on avoiding HIV. The relay becomes a hands-on educational forum on AIDS transmission, respect in relationships, condom use, and changing dangerous sexual behaviors.

One of the greatest barriers to stopping AIDS has been the cultural taboo on talking about sex. Yet, many African leaders have realized that open discussion is a crucial weapon against the spread of the disease. The relay is designed to break the silence about the sexual transmission of AIDS.

The relay will focus on Africa’s children. World Vision often refers to the time between the ages of five and 15 years old as “the window of hope.” These children have the lowest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates of any age group and are generally not sexually active. They are the most receptive to education about AIDS and, hopefully, the most responsive to it as well. The relay offers them a chance to hear adults speaking directly to them and preparing them for the decisions they will make.

Last year’s relay The 2001 AIDS Cycle Relay opening ceremonies alone attracted an estimated 2,000 children and adults. Over the weeks that followed, 24 riders traveled through Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique encouraging people to learn about AIDS and discuss it openly.

Relay Itinerary:
August 28—Local riders join international team for a symbolic ride through Qelimane
August 29—The international team tours World Vision area development programs
August 31—International team cycles to Morumbala (about 180 miles)
September 1-5—Team cycles along border of Mozambique and Malawi, then through Mozambique to border with Zimbabwe.
September 6—Team presents drama and music at border, cycles to Kotwa secondary school for educational drama and music.
September 7—Team cycles to Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital and largest city for events including music and drama.
September 11—Team presents music and drama in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
September 11-13—Team cycles through Zimbabwe to Botswana, giving small presentations in Botswana, where more than one in three is HIV-positive.
September 14—Team crosses border of Botswana into South Africa
September 16-20—Team gives educational presentations in cities throughout South Africa.
September 21—Team arrives in Durban for closing ceremonies of the relay.