Photos

On 10 February 2012, Brazilian football legend Pelé took thousands of young people by storm during a beach soccer tournament organized in Gabon alongside the 2012 Coupe d’Afrique des Nations (or “CAN”). Credit: Josh Ponte & David Ignaszewski

First Lady of Gabon Sylvia Bongo Ondimba with Pelé during the “CAN without AIDS” campaign event. Credit: Josh Ponte & David Ignaszewski

The beach tournament brought together more than 400 young Gabonese to kick off the last round of the youth-focused AIDS campaign events. Credit: Josh Ponte & David Ignaszewski

A woman entertains the crowds during the CanSida beach tournament. Credit: Josh Ponte & David Ignaszewski

Winners of the beach tournament were rewarded with front seats at the final of the 2012 African cup. Credit: Josh Ponte & David Ignaszewski

The CanSida campaign received support from UNAIDS, Cameroonian football star Samuel Eto’o and Didier Ovono, captain of Gabon’s national football team. Credit: Josh Ponte & David Ignaszewski

The CanSida campaign received support from UNAIDS, Cameroonian football star Samuel Eto’o and Didier Ovono, captain of Gabon’s national football team. Credit: Josh Ponte & David Ignaszewski

Volunteers distributed condoms and information on HIV during the event. Credit: Josh Ponte & David Ignaszewski

First Lady of Gabon Sylvia Bongo Ondimba with Pelé walk off the pitch before the game begins. Credit: Josh Ponte & David Ignaszewski