A unique football tournament that involves dozen of neighbourhoods in Kolkata is being staged to spread awareness about AIDS.
The tourney is being jointly organised by the Indian Football Association (IFA), which governs the sport in West Bengal, and the state health department.
"A powerful communication weapon, football can reach the message (of awareness against AIDS) to the people in an effective manner, especially in Kolkata -- the football capital of India," said IFA secretary Subrata Dutta.
The tournament, which opened last week and runs till October 2, involves 48 neighbourhood or 'paras' of Kolkata. The teams have been divided into eight clusters.
"We seek to use the mass appeal of the game in Kolkata to reach our message to people," said Suresh Kumar, the chief of the state's AIDS control programme.
Health officials have set up stalls manned by AIDS counselors at each venue. Volunteers will distribute fliers, speak to people about the need for safe sex and also hand out information about the dreaded disease.
Alongside, quiz contests would be held and various other social functions would be organised in conjunction with the football matches that will all carry some message on awareness against AIDS.
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