Entries Open for Russell Athletic's Fourth Annual "Fight Like Dylan Award," Honoring Teams Triumphing Over Adversity

$50,000 Grant to be Awarded to a High School Team at the 2014 Russell Athletic Bowl

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Sep 17, 2014, 11:00 ET

BOWLING GREEN, Ky., Sept. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Russell Brands, LLC, announced today it will begin accepting entries for the fourth annual Russell Athletic "Fight Like Dylan Award," named in honor of Dylan Rebeor, a high school football player whose last wish was for his teammates to receive new uniforms. Through this initiative, Russell Athletic will donate apparel and equipment via a $50,000 grant to one high school team that has demonstrated determination through sports, paying tribute to Dylan's remarkable character, courage and consideration of others. This year, submissions can be made at www.fightlikedylan.org.

Russell Brands, LLC, announced today it will begin accepting entries for the fourth annual Russell Athletic "Fight Like Dylan Award," named in honor of Dylan Rebeor, a high school football player whose last wish was for his teammates to receive new uniforms. Through this initiative, Russell Athletic will donate apparel and equipment via a $50,000 grant to one high school team that has demonstrated determination through sports, paying tribute to Dylan's remarkable character, courage and consideration of others. This year, submissions can be made at www.fightlikedylan.org. (PRNewsFoto/Russell Brands, LLC)

Rebeor was a wide receiver on Columbia (Tenn.) Central High School's football team, but tragically passed away at the age of 16 on Dec. 3, 2010 after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Despite Dylan's insurmountable challenges during treatment, his commitment and dedication to his team never wavered. Inspired by their fallen teammate, that season the Columbia Central Lions took home their first state championship in 58 years.

"Russell Athletic is proud to celebrate the tremendous courage of Dylan Rebeor under the most challenging of circumstances," said Robby Davis, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Russell Athletic. "Each year, we are inspired by the remarkable support of communities who overcome great obstacles to allow their youth sports teams to succeed both on and off the field. This is truly one of Russell Athletic's proudest and most revered programs."

Last year's "Fight Like Dylan Award" recipient was Buena Vista high school in the town of Buena Vista, CO. The Buena Vista community suffered an awful tragedy earlier in 2013, when a rock slide took the lives of five people on a family hike, including assistant football coach Dwayne Johnson and his wife, track and field coach Dawna Johnson. Three other family members also passed away, but with Dwayne's strength and courage, he was able to save the lone survivor, the couple's 13-year-old daughter, Gracie Johnson. The football team was overcome with emotion the rest of the season but made an incredible run, finishing with an 11-1 record before falling in the CHSAA 1A Football Championship state semifinals.

Previous winners include:

2013: Buena Vista HS, Buena Vista, CO
2012: Williamsport HS, Williamsport, MD
2011: Edmondson HS, Brownsville, KY

To be eligible for the "Fight Like Dylan Award," participants must submit an entry at www.fightlikedylan.org explaining how their team overcame a challenge or triumphed in the face of adversity. Entries will be accepted now through December 5. The contest's official rules are also available on the site.

"Dylan had an extraordinary life and always inspired others while dealing with difficult circumstances," said Heather Rebeor, Dylan's mother. "We're so proud that Dylan's memory and spirit will live on through the Russell Athletic 'Fight Like Dylan Award.' He truly cared about others more than himself and now his legacy will continue with youth sports teams across the country."

Russell Athletic ambassadors and pro football players Pierre Garcon, Mark Ingram, and Colt McCoy will serve on the "Fight Like Dylan Award" selection committee. Also on the committee is Dylan's mother, Heather, and Columbia Central High School head coach, Vance Belew. The fourth annual winner of the "Fight Like Dylan Award" will be announced at the 2014 Russell Athletic Bowl, taking place in late December at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, in Orlando, FL.

For more information, official rules or to submit an entry for the "Fight Like Dylan Award", please visit www.fightlikedylan.org.

About RUSSELL BRANDS, LLC
For more than 100 years, Russell has supplied America's athletes and teams with the latest innovations to help them perform at their best and is a leading supplier of apparel and team uniforms at the high school, college and professional levels. Russell's collegiate licensed products and athletic wear are broadly distributed and marketed through department stores, sports specialty stores, retail chains and college bookstores. For more information, please visit www.RussellAthletic.com.

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SOURCE Russell Brands, LLC