Executive Director of UNAIDS and Former CEO of (RED) Join GRS to Prevent New HIV Infections through Soccer

NORWICH, VT (November 2, 2011) – Grassroot Soccer announced the appointment of two new Directors to its Global Board: Michel SidibĂ©, Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and Susan Smith Ellis, former CEO of Product (RED). Grassroot Soccer is an international nonprofit founded in 2002 that uses the power of soccer to prevent new HIV infections and save lives among youth in Africa.

“In our first ten years, we’ve provided more than 450,000 young people in Africa with vital information on HIV prevention and life skills,” said Thomas Clark, MD, Grassroot Soccer Founder and CEO. “With the expertise and passion of these new board members to compliment our team, we’re confident we will reach our goal of graduating one million youth through our program by the World Cup 2014, and empowering whole communities to live more healthy productive lives, with soccer as the hook.”

Michel Sidibé and GRS Coach

Michel Sidibé (right), Executive Director of UNAIDS, visits with Grassroot Soccer in South Africa

Michel SidibĂ© is the Executive Director of UNAIDS and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. In this position, he is the global advocate for the AIDS response and supports countries’ efforts to reach universal access goals towards HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. A native of Mali, Mr. SidibĂ© has spent more than 25 years in public service, including 14 years at UNICEF in multiple African countries. Among his commendations, in 2010 he received the Emerging Leader Award from the UN Foundation and the United Nations Association of the USA in recognition of his leadership in advancing UN causes.

“Learning through sport is one of the most effective ways of building confidence and raising HIV awareness,” said Mr. SidibĂ©. “Grassroot Soccer is making a positive difference in the lives of young people across Africa and I am very proud to be a part of this important movement.”

Susan Smith Ellis

Susan Smith Ellis helped the (RED) brand to increase contributions to The Global Fund from $18 million to $170 million.

Susan Smith Ellis is the former CEO of Product (RED), the for-benefit brand that marries the private sector with the buying power of consumers to generate a sustainable flow of private sector funds to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. During her tenure, Product (RED)’s contributions to The Global Fund increased from $18 million to $170 million in just over three years.  Prior to joining (RED), Ms. Smith Ellis spent more than 20 years as an executive in brand development and advertising, including the position of executive vice president of the Omnicom Group.  She serves on the boards of Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS , Malaria and Tuberculosis and also LOYAL 3.

“What drew me to Grassroot Soccer is their creative approach to giving young people the confidence to make smart choices,” Ms. Smith Ellis said.  “If you can reach young people you can change the course of the AIDS epidemic, and Grassroot Soccer knows how to deliver the right message in just the right way.”



About Grassroot Soccer:
Grassroot Soccer (GRS) is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 that uses the power of soccer to educate, inspire, and empower communities to stop the spread of HIV. The vision of GRS is a world mobilized through soccer to create an AIDS-free generation. GRS has programs in 10 African countries with flagship sites in South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Founded by four professional soccer players, Grassroot Soccer is mobilizing the most vulnerable population of youth ages 12 – 19 to break the cycle of AIDS by engaging local coaches who equip young people with the knowledge, skills and support they need to avoid HIV.  For more information visit grassrootsoccer.org
###