Coaches will show support for fight against cancer
Nearly $45 million raised since 1993
Suits and Sneakers Awareness Weekend, which has become a tradition in college basketball, will take place Friday through Sunday.
A collaborative initiative of the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the American Cancer Society, Suits and Sneakers Awareness Weekend will see participating coaches wear sneakers instead of dress shoes with their usual game attire in a show of support for the fight against cancer.
The coaches hope to spotlight the fact that while cancer remains a major health concern, everyone can take daily steps to reduce their risk of the disease.
“The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a vital, year-round link between the Society and the NABC that empowers basketball coaches, their teams and communities to join the fight against cancer,” said Coaches vs. Cancer director Jim Satalin. “The program draws from the personal experiences, community leadership, and the professional excellence of coaches nationwide to increase public awareness of the Society’s mission to save lives and prevent cancer, and to raise funds to fight the disease on a variety of fronts.
Maryland coach Gary Williams is the 2008-09 chairman of the Coaches vs. Cancer Council.
“Suits and Sneakers Awareness Weekend provides a tremendous opportunity for college basketball coaches nationwide to demonstrate their support for the American Cancer Society’s work to fight the disease and save lives,” Williams said. “The money raised through Suits and Sneakers will fund vital research and support numerous services for cancer patients, their families and caregivers.”
Coaches vs. Cancer participants have raised nearly $45 million since 1993 to help the society fund groundbreaking cancer research, provide up-to-date cancer information and education, advocate for public health policies that benefit communities, and deliver services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families.