Race for Dignity
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The Race for Dignity is a campaign inspired by Scott Simpson, an HIV positive Canadian, intended to raise funds for people living with HIV/AIDS.
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[edit] Background
The Race for Dignity, campaign originated with Scott Simpson, who intended to cycle 13,000km across the continent of Africa to raise funds and awareness about the inequities in access to antiretroviral (ARV) medication. In preparation for this immense challenge, Simpson participated in a series of endurance events, including an Ironman triathlon, but the accumulation of gruelling training began to take its toll on his body. It was during the Ironman that Simpson's body gave out as he collapsed during the race and was rushed from the course by ambulance. Simpson's dream of cycling across Africa to help other less fortunate HIV+ people ended that day.
While speaking publicly at the University of Toronto about his ordeal, a university student was inspired and knew immediately what needed to be done: “We need to finish Scott’s Race for Dignity.” And that is exactly what 220 post-secondary students at three different campuses set out to do on December 1st, 2005 - World AIDS Day. Spinning on stationary bikes, these students “traveled” 1,300km and raised over $9,200.
[edit] R4D
In August 2006, during the XVI International AIDS Conference, the Race for Dignity morphed into R4D, a 65-hour stationary bike-athon – one hour for every million people who have been infected with HIV to date (of which 25 million have died). From Monday, August 14th to Thursday, August 17th, the larger community, participants of the International AIDS Conference, members of Dignitas Youth (the international student organization) and special guests (including celebrities, sports figures and politicians) biked in solidarity to raise awareness of and funds for Dignitas International’s groundbreaking work.
