VIENNA, WV  – During the 9th annual Coaches vs. Cancer Suits & Sneakers awareness weekend on January 27-29, nearly 1,000 basketball coaches across the United States will swap their loafers for sneakers in support of the American Cancer Society's mission to save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

Ohio Valley University’s men’s and women’s basketball coaches are taking on the fight against cancer by participating in the annual event. They too will lace up their sneakers to spotlight the fact that cancer remains a major health concern and everyone can take daily steps to reduce their risk of the disease and stay well.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration that empowers basketball coaches, their teams, and communities to join the fight against cancer. Since the program’s inception in 1993, high school and basketball coaches across the United States have raised nearly $70 million to support the Society’s efforts to save lives from cancer.

“This is our fourth year of participating in the Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers weekend. It’s really important to me because I lost my grandfather to cancer and it’s become a cause I am passionate about supporting. This is a disease everyone is affected by,” said Mike Snell, OVU head men’s basketball coach.

During the 2012 Suits and Sneakers awareness weekend, the public may join OVU’s basketball coaches and show their own support by attending the Fighting Scots basketball games Jan. 28. Donations will be accepted at the door of each game for the American Cancer Society.

The women’s basketball game will be a home game at the Snyder Activity Center Saturday, Jan. 28 at 2:00 p.m. against the Seton Hill University. The men’s home basketball game will begin at 4:00 p.m. Attendees are also encouraged to wear sneakers to the games.

Fans may support the cause too by texting COACH to 20222 from any wireless phone to make a $5.00 donation toward Coaches vs. Cancer and help in the search for a cure. For more information, visit the Coaches vs. Cancer Facebook page, facebook.com/coachesvscancer.

This year, Coaches vs. Cancer is also launching, "National Sneakers Day", on Friday, January 27, to kick off Suits and Sneakers Weekend.

“We’re proud to be part of this effort again and encourage our fans to support the effort and attend both games,” said David Wadlington, OVU head women’s basketball coach.

Ohio Valley University is a proud member of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and competes in the NCAA Division II in men's baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer and wrestling, as well as women's basketball, golf, cross country, softball, soccer and volleyball. Visit www.ovu.edu to learn more.

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