SALEM, Va. - Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers awareness weekend, a collaborative initiative of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the American Cancer Society, is slated for the weekend of Jan. 30 - Feb. 1. Participating NABC-member college men's basketball coaches, including Coach Page Moir and his staff, will wear sneakers instead of dress shoes with their usual game attire during weekend games to demonstrate their support for the American Cancer Society and the fight against cancer. To show their support of their coach's effort in the fight against cancer, fans also are encouraged to wear sneakers to games.

By lacing up sneakers with their suits, participating coaches nationwide will spotlight the fact that while cancer remains a major health concern, everyone can take daily steps to reduce their risk of the disease. For those who do not smoke, weight control, regular exercise and a healthy diet are the best ways to improve health and reduce cancer risk. Obesity has been shown to increase the risk for many forms of cancer, including breast, prostate and colon cancers and may account for 20 percent of cancer deaths in women and 14 percent in men.

“The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a vital, year-round link between the American Cancer Society and the NABC that empowers basketball coaches, their teams and communities to join the fight against cancer. Said Jim Satalin, director of the Coaches vs. Cancer program with the Society, “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.”

In addition to Coach Moir, other active participants who support the Society through the Coaches vs. Cancer program are some of nation's top coaches - five of whom have won NCAA championships, including Mike Krzyzewski (Duke, 1991, '92, 2001); Jim Calhoun (Connecticut, '99, '04); Jim Boeheim (Syracuse, '03); Gary Williams (Maryland, '02); Roy Williams (North Carolina, '05); Tubby Smith (Minnesota, but won title at Kentucky, '98); Mike Brey (Notre Dame); Mark Few (Gonzaga); Phil Martelli (Saint Joseph's); Fran Dunphy (Temple) and Mark Gottfried (Alabama).

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.