MAN U STAR SAYS EDUCATION WILL ALLEVIATE STIGMA AGAINST HIV/AIDS

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Educating the public on HIV and Aids will
help break down the stigma and allow infected children to lead a normal life,
Unicef ambassador Ryan Giggs who is also a Manchester United player said.

"Hopefully today we can put across that message. There is no need to shun
them or disown them. They are only children.

"Maybe they have different background and experiences in life but they too
have aspirations," he told a news conference after visiting nine children who
are children of sex workers, drug users, refugees and people living with HIV and
Aids at the PT Foundation's office here.

Also present were two other Manchester United players, Patrice Evra and
Fererico Macheda, as well as Manchester United Foundation CEO, John Shiels and
Unicef Malaysia Representative, Youssouf Oomar.

Giggs described the children "lovely and intelligent."

Kuala Lumpur is the first stop for Manchester United in their Asian Tour
2009.

The players led by manager Sir Alex Ferguson had earlier arrived at the KL
International Airport.

At least 60,000 Malaysian fans of the Red Devils are expected to be at the
Bukit Jalil Stadium Saturday to watch the English Premier League champions take
on the Malaysian selection.

-- BERNAMA