Jan. 30, 2009

DAVIS, Calif. -- Coaches vs. Cancer "Suits and Sneakers Awareness Weekend," a collaborative initiative of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the American Cancer Society (the Society), is slated for this weekend. That means at Saturday's game between UC Davis and Pacific at The Pavilion Saturday's game between UC Davis and Pacific at The Pavilion, coaches will wear sneakers instead of dress shoes with their usual game attire to demonstrate their support for the Society and the fight against cancer. As well, fans are encouraged to wear sneakers to games to demonstrate their support.

"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. 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," said Jim Satalin, director, Coaches vs. Cancer.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of college and high school coaches across the country, 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.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 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-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.