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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, February 21, 1993                   TAG: 9302210247
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B4   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NEW YORK                                LENGTH: Short

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HUNGER STRIKE IS OVER

Olden Polynice of the Detroit Pistons ended his hunger strike in support of HIV-infected Haitians on Saturday, according to a broadcast report.

Polynice, the former University of Virginia star, told ESPN Radio that the hunger strike was over but that he would continue his work for the Haitian people. The center also said he would try to arrange a meeting with President Clinton.

Polynice, 7 feet and 250 pounds, started fasting last week on non-game days in support of the boat people, who had been on a hunger strike for 21 days. The Rev. Jesse Jackson also joined their fast.

"I just feel that something has to be done," Polynice said. "We're talking about the Bosnians and the Somalians and everybody else, but nothing is being said about the situation in Guantanamo, or in Miami, or the Haitian plight, period."

Since joining 230 HIV-infected Haitian refugees in their strike at the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Polynice lost nearly six pounds.

Polynice, 28, who came to the United States from Port-au-Prince at age 7, said he ate only a small pasta salad before the Pistons' 111-107 loss to Miami on Wednesday night.

Keywords:
BASKETBALL

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