Players from DIRECTV North East Stars will be on hand to support a new sexual health initiative at the Ranch House bar on Friday evening (24th Sept).
Asgalari added that this is most definately not a campaign to promote sexual activity " On the contrary" said Asgarali "We always promote abstinance as a first defence against STD's and STI's. However, we are realistic enough to realise that people will make their own choices about their sex life. If they do decide to have sex, we want to make sure that they understand the risks and protect themselves with condoms."
Angels Forever are promoting Halo condoms, which are not yet available nationwide. "Ranch House will be one of the first bars in Trinidad to sell Halo Condoms. It is essential to our young people that condoms be available in places where the influence of alcohol can impair their natural ability to think. Halo condoms are perfect for bars and clubs. They have cool, attractive designs and are completely unoffensive. In fact, they don't even look like condoms!"
Angels Forever will also be unveiling their new poster girl, 19 year old English model, Jody-Candice Gray. " I'm so excited" said Jody "This is my first visit to Trinidad and I'm loving it. I met with the Ranch House owner, Bally on Saturday and stayed and limed all evening. I love the friendlyness of Trinidadians and felt at home straight away" Gray, who is from London added."
Sexual health promotion has to be taken to young people. We can't expect them to visit websites and read books. Unplanned sex is the biggest cause of STDs and STI's, so we have to target them at the places they are making these decisions"
The decision to launch the campaign at Ranch House came from a suggestion by two of North East Stars players, T&T internationals Gary Glasgow and Arnold Dwarika. "Our young people need to be given the chance to make the right choices. Having condoms on sale at the very places they socialise makes so much sense" said Dwarika. "North East Stars have pledged to make real differences to the community and sexual health is one of those taboo subjects that people don't like to address."
Glasgow, who's pass provided the winning goal in North Easts First Citizens Cup victory on Saturday added "We will be working with Angels Forever to deliver sexual health workshops to sports teams through out Trinidad. Many young footballers don't realise that having an STD or STI will mean they will fail a medical when overseas teams look to sign them.
Their career can be ruined because they have an STD or STI. But, of course, its vitally important to every young person to ensure they protect themselves." The players, both of whom have played overseas have known Ranch House owner, Bally for some time. "This is a great bar and is the hub of this community, so its great that they have agreed to support this campaign" said Dwarika.
North East Stars C.E.O., Brent Sancho said " I saw the slogan "Before you please, think disease" when it was used by English Premier club Liverpool in a sexual health campaign. Football clubs around the world are so far ahead of us in their community work.
They are not afraid of tackling taboo subjects like this and neither should we. Anything we can do to effect even a small change in the attitudes of young people is a valid and worthwhile use of our time. If our actions prevent just one additional person from being infected with HIV, we will have succeeded."
North East Stars Operations Director, Kevin Harrison added " We are hoping to repeat the promotion at Sky Bar on Ariapita Avenue on Saturday night.
If there are other bars or clubs who wish to stock Halo condoms, they can contact Angels Forever at angels4evertt@hotmail.com and we can pass the information to Angels Forever. Pauline is doing a fantastic job, but as usual, funds are limited. By acting as a distributor for Halo, Angels Forever will be able to provide their own funding."
The fun will begin on friday at 9.30pm with promotions and give aways.