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The American College of Greece in collaboration with the non-profit organization Kentro Zois will be hosting famed Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis in a lecture titled “Breaking the Surface.”
The event aims to raise HIV/AIDS awareness through the engaging personal story of Greg Louganis, the Greek-American Olympic diver who was diagnosed with HIV more than twenty years ago.
Despite the positive diagnosis, Louganis competed in the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988 and won two gold medals after his infamous dive when his head hit the board. Right after the unfortunate incident, Louganis knew it was his responsibility to inform the doctors of his condition, at a time when homosexuality was still taboo and awareness on HIV/AIDS was extremely low.
During the event, the former Olympic diver will talk about his struggle against prejudice, his conscious decision to come out publicly in 1995 and lead a life free of stereotypes and social taboos, and his dedication to defend the rights of homosexual people living with HIV/AIDS. His book Breaking the Surface, stayed on top of the New York Times Best Seller list for 5 weeks! Since then, Louganis has been committed to raising awareness regarding HIV/AIDS, while his love of sports remains intact; in 2012, he mentored the US diving team at the London Olympic Games.
Kentro Zois, established in 1991, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization aiming at offering support and services to people living with HIV/AIDS and their families, their partners and the general population. The organization operates thanks to the valuable and tireless contribution of trained volunteers, who offer their help while respecting the value of confidentiality. The organization’s activity is based on the philosophy that every human being has the physical, psychological and spiritual potential and right to lead a full and creative life.
The event aims to inform students on HIV/AIDS and trigger discussions that will help them understand the issue of prejudice and learn how they can support people living with HIV / AIDS in Greece.
A lecture by Greg Louganis
Thursday, September 17, 13:30 -1500
at the PIERCE Theater