Louganis to deliver lecture at UNLV

Friday, Nov. 22, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

SUN STAFF REPORTS

After setting records in the Olympics, Greg Louganis wants to set the record straight on AIDS.

Louganis will speak at UNLV's Artemus Ham Concert Hall at 8 p.m. on Dec. 2 in connection with World Aids Day.

His lecture, titled "Breaking the Surface," will follow a panel discussion on "Educating Our Youth on HIV/AIDS," which begins at 7 p.m.

Panel members will include Dr. Jerry Cade, a local physician and HIV/AIDS expert; Josh Winchell, a UNLV freshman and pre/post HIV test counselor; Las Vegas City Councilman Matt Callister; Carol Keck, a local mother dealing with HIV in her home; a member of the Clark County School Board; and a high school teacher. Organizers also hope the Louganis will participate. The panel discussion will be moderated by Eric Randall.

Louganis' lecture will focus on domestic violence, substance abuse, learning disabilities, discrimination and AIDS.

A free ticket and an item of canned food are required for entry to the event. Student and UNLV faculty tickets are available now from the Performing Arts Center Box Office. Tickets for the general public will become available at the box office Nov. 25. The canned food is requested as part of a food drive to benefit Aid for AIDS of Nevada.

Louganis' openness about his homosexuality, his difficulties in the past and his hope for the future, despite being HIV-positive, have made him a role model for millions.

He began competing in diving at age 10. By 16, he had won his first Olympic medal, a silver on the platform in the 1976 Olympics. At 24, he became the first man in 56 years to win two Olympic gold medals in diving by winning both the platform and springboard events. Four years later, he competed against divers half his age. Despite a near disastrous injury during a dive, he became the first man to win double gold medals for diving in two consecutive Olympics.

The event is being sponsored by UNLV's student government, the office of the president, UNLV Student Service, the Residence Hall Association and the Clark County AIDS Coalition.

For more information on World AIDS Day activities at UNLV, call David Turner at 895-3730 or for ticket information call 895-3801.