It is said time and time again that a healthy lifestyle - good nutrition, exercise and a positive frame of mind - will enable a person living with HIV to live a longer, happier life.  This is certainly something we at DISHA believe.

Our space on the roof of DGS has provided nutrition and counselling since the beginning of the project in 2005 but sport and exercise have not really been on the agenda until now.

We have recently purchased a table tennis table and a stack of hula hoops to the delight of all our clients and; adults and children alike.

The carom board has been unused for nearly a week (unheard of) as everyone clamours for a go with the new toys.  Mothers in saris, children with their arms raised above their heads and men wearing big grins are all taking it in turns to wiggle their hips - hula style.

The children challenge each other to see who can hula for the longest (183 is the record)  and laugh at the adults feeble attempts.  The hoops seemed to have sparked a desire to be more active as the children are certainly jumping around more than usual.  Star jumps and catch are new favourite games.  The days of painting pictures and playing clapping games are over for now.

The table tennis table is erected everyday and gradually skills are improving.  The  balls are flying lower and the bats handled with more control, and tournaments and games are being organised as our clients graps the rules. 
Sport and exercise can become a secret weapon to fight the fatalistic images of morbidly ill AIDS sufferers.  It is a way for our clients to exhibit their good health and to feel positive about themselves.