Selma AIR, Inc. will observe National HIV Testing Day and Men’s Health Month on Saturday at Ronnie Sharpe Memorial Park.

The event is entitled 5-on-5 Boss Up For The Test Basketball Tournament.

Selma AIR is partnering with the B.O.S.S. Youth League and the Council on Substance Abuse (COSA) for the BOSS UP for the Test 5-on-5 Basketball Tournament and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

“While HIV testing and prevention are a primary focus, we felt it necessary to reach out and bridge the gap between generations of men in our community,” Selma AIR HIV Prevention Specialist Lydia Chatmon said in a release. “Our young men need role models who can show them the ropes on and off the court.”

The B.O.S.S. League is a Selma-based program specializing in developing life skills for the youth through basketball. The B.O.S.S. League’s afterschool programs also teach public speaking, business, and character development.

“When Selma AIR reached out, we thought promoting the basketball tournament as a way to encourage wellness was a great idea,” B.O.S.S. Youth League founder and director Querline Moore said. 

Rural Health Medical Program clinicians will be on hand to provide non-evasive screenings and disease prevention information for event participants.

The Wellness Fair will be held from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Numerous guest speakers will also be on hand to discuss topics like high blood pressure, underage drinking and substance abuse.

“We always welcome opportunities to provide services and share important tips on preventing diseases such as diabetes and hypertension,” Rural Health CEO Keshee Smith said.

For Selma Air Executive Director Mel Prince, it’s another way to help the community.

“Selma AIR has been working since 1995 to maintain partnerships and provide outreach to people no matter who they are or where they are,” Prince said. “We are excited to be able to collaborate with so many community organizations to respond to the needs of our community.”

Added Teen Project Director Satavia Mann: “We are excited to work with Selma AIR and hope to successfully provide resources that will help youth ages 14 to 17 to avoid risky behaviors associated with HIV transmission.”