Feb. 4, 2005
ATLANTA - College basketball coaches nationwide will leave their loafers in the closet and lace up their sneakers the weekend of February 5-6 to show support for Coaches vs. Cancer, a team effort against cancer by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). The coaches are asking everyone attending games that weekend, including team staff, fans and the media, to cheer on the effort by donning sneakers, as well.
In the 12 years since it was founded in 1993, Coaches vs. Cancer has generated more than $23 million in direct support for the American Cancer Society. Participating coaches have raised cancer awareness at their school, in their communities, and nationwide by conveying how cancer has touched them personally. The program channels the personal experience, community leadership, and professional excellence of the country's basketball coaches in an effort to reduce cancer risk through education and efforts to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
"Coaches vs. Cancer is a powerful way for our coaching fraternity to be a part of the fight against cancer," said Jim Boeheim, coach of the Syracuse men's basketball team, winner of the 2004 Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, the season's first major college basketball tournament. "With this simple act, we can raise awareness and save lives. It's a great opportunity for coaches, teams, and all of our fans and neighbors to rally together and really make a difference.
After the event several coaches will auction their sneakers on their local college radio and television programs, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 14 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2354 or visit The American Cancer Society.
