Ahead of their opening ICC Cricket World Cup match against West Indies in New Delhi, South Africa captain Graeme Smith and teammates took time out from training to interact with young people affected by HIV on Tuesday.As part of the global Think Wise partnership between ICC, UNAIDS and UNICEF which is raising awareness and reducing stigma about HIV and AIDS throughout the cricket world, the youngsters spent an hour with Smith, Johan Botha, J.P.Duminy and Wayne Parnell on the field of the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.After a fun-filled catching and throwing session, all of the participants gathered on the outfield to discuss issues relating to HIV and AIDS, including the role that cricket players can play in reducing stigma and discrimination around the disease."It was a wonderful experience for the young participants. The South African players showed excellent awareness of the issues relating to HIV and AIDS and displayed a passionate commitment to helping address these important issues," said UNICEF?s Geetanjali Masters who accompanied the young people.The visit was part of a programme of activities taking place at the ICC Cricket World Cup that includes similar interactions with other teams and a communications campaign featuring a Public Service Announcement recorded by Virender Sehwag and Kumar Sangakkara, two of a group of Think Wise champions that also includes Smith, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shakib Al Hasan.
