News30 Sep 2003


Mutola Honorary UN Youth Ambassador

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Maria Mutola celebrates winning the 800m in Brussels and the IAAF Golden League Jackpot (© Getty Images)

, MozambiqueMozambique’s leading athlete, Maria Mutola, has been appointed honorary youth ambassador of the United Nations in recognition of her achievements in athletics.

Mutola, who topped off her third World Championships victory in the 800 metres by becoming the first athlete to win outright the million dollar jackpot of the IAAF Golden League said that she would use the position to raise awareness of  HIV/AIDS.

“I will use this great distinction to help increase awareness about the danger of AIDS in my country, in Africa and the world at large," Mutola said at a ceremony organised on Monday 29 September by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The 30-year-old three-time world outdoor champion and Olympic gold medallist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics advised hundreds of students at the function to develop an interest in athletics and avoid unprotected sex and drugs.

Mutola also operates and funds her own foundation in Mozambique with the aim of bringing more youngsters to the sport of athletics and assisting young talents to achieve their sporting and educational potential.

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