Aids Part 5: More than a game

(BLOWING WHISTLE)Everybody gather around. On Saturday we are going to win the game.The way to win is to play as a team. Where is Adam today?I haven’t seen him.(THE BOYS WHISPER, SOME CHUCKLE)

I don’t think he’s going to be coming for a long time. And good riddance.

I didn’t know about this. (PLAYERS CHUCKLE)

 

[MUSIC BRIDGE)

LATER THAT DAY THE COACH TALKS WITH ADAM’S TEACHER

 

I’ve heard Adam’s brother is sick.

Yes he is. He may be away for a while.

What’s wrong?

He’s ill from AIDS.

(shocked) AIDS? No one told me. Adam must feel terrible.

I’m a little concerned by the fact that the boys are being mean to Adam because of his brother. They don’t understand the virus. It scares them.

 

[MESSAGE OVER MUSIC#2]:People are frightened of things they don’t understand. Learn about AIDS!

 

THE COACH GOES TO SEE ADAM

 

He’ll be glad to see you. He talks about the game all day.

How is his brother feeling? I was sorry to hear the news.

He is a little tired but his spirits are high.

We miss Adam.

Well, we never lose hope. A positive attitude and a bright outlook helps. But Adam is deeply hurt by the attitude of the boys on the team.

 

[MESSAGE OVER MUSIC#3]: HIV is spread through blood, semen and vaginal juices. You can only be infected with HIV by having unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person, and from sharing dirty needles used to inject drugs. You can also catch HIV from infected blood through transfusions and blood products. A mother who is HIV infected can also pass the virus to her child before or during childbirth.

 

THE COACH VISITS ADAM

 

I talked with your mother. She tells me you miss playing with the team.

The others told me they don’t need me for the big game.

If you feel up to it, we all want you to play.

My family has to live with HIV. Why can’t others? Coach, soccer helps me forget. At least for a few hours. Why does the team hate me? It’s not my fault.

They are just afraid. They don’t know that you are not a danger for them.

Why don’t they understand?

 

[MESSAGE OVER MUSIC#4]:HIV can not be transmitted by casual contact.

 

THE NEXT DAY AFTER SOCCER PRACTICE

 

It is possible that Adam will play with the team Saturday.

I don’t want to be on the same field with Adam. How could you let him play? What if he gets cut and bleeds?

I told you that you cannot catch AIDS from playing with him, even if he was infected. And he can’t get infected just by living with his brother.

I don’t care! I’m not taking any chances. If he’s playing, I’m not playing. I’m leaving!

Anybody who agrees with him can join him now! This team comes first! Adam is one of us. It’s sad what is happening to his family. We should not make it worse.

 

[MESSAGE OVER MUSIC#5]: You cannot get AIDS from playing with, touching, or hugging an infected person.

 

THE BIG GAME (CROWD NOISE)

 

Work hard and we’ll be fine.

Today the Tigers play the Bandits for the Championship. Minutes into the game a Tiger’s player is injured and has to leave the field.

Adam, I want you in the game.

The game continues. The Bandits have scored twice in the first half. The Tigers are not passing the ball well. The first half ends.

You have to pass the ball.

(MUTTERS TO TEAMMATE UNDER BREATH) It’s easy for him to say. He doesn’t have to play with Adam.

The second half is about to start. Adam, from the Tigers, takes the ball from a Bandit’s defender. He passes to his teammate Sidney. Adam calls for the ball. Sidney doesn’t respond. He then shoots the ball. The Bandit’s goaltender stops the shot.

Why didn’t you pass the ball?

Don’t talk to me!

Pass that ball boys!

Adam steals the ball from a Bandit opponent. He has a clear shot on the net. He shoots and scores. The other team still leads 2‑1.

Great play Adam!

Thanks coach.Let’s go guys!

Later Sidney, from the Tigers, blocks a shot and runs down the sideline towards the Bandit’s goal. He shoots at the net. The Bandit’s goaltender makes the save. The rebound comes to the Tiger’s Adam who kicks it into the net. The game is tied 2‑2 and little time remains. The play starts and Gordon, from the Tigers, controls the ball. He spots Adam running towards the net. Adam yells for the ball. Gordon hesitates, then passes the ball to Adam. Adam runs towards the net and kicks the ball. The Bandit’s goalie gets a hand on the shot but it is too powerful. The ball goes in the net. The whistle blows to end the game. The Tigers win the game three goals to two.

Adam, you played a great game!

Thanks Coach.

Nice shot Adam.

Nice set up.

I’m sorry about your brother. I guess we didn’t understand.

I’m just glad we won.

 

[FINAL MESSAGE/MESSAGE OVER MUSIC#6]:People living with HIV/AIDS and their families need encouragement and support, not scorn and prejudice.