Russell Athletic to Recognize High School Teams Triumphing Over Adversity With "Fight Like Dylan Award"

BOWLING GREEN, Ky., Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Russell Athletic today announced the launch of the "Fight Like Dylan Award," a $50,000 uniform and equipment grant, honoring the late Dylan Rebeor of Columbia, TN, who lost his battle with colon cancer at the age of 16 on Dec. 3, 2010.  Rebeor was a wide receiver on Columbia Central High School's football team, but died just hours before his team won their first state championship in 58 years.  Reflective of Rebeor's character and consideration of others, rather than asking the Make-A-Wish Foundation for a trip to Hawaii, or the opportunity to meet his favorite athlete, Dylan's final, selfless desire was for his beloved team to receive brand new uniforms and equipment for the 2011 season.

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"People of Dylan's exceptional caliber are extremely rare," said Gary Barfield, executive vice president, Russell Brands, LLC. "When we heard his story of courage and strength, Russell Athletic wanted to honor him and the ideals he represented.  We are proud to introduce the Fight Like Dylan Award in his memory."

To be eligible for the Fight Like Dylan Award, teams must post a submission on the Russell Athletic Facebook page explaining how they overcame a challenge or triumphed in the face of true adversity while embodying the spirit and courage represented by Dylan Rebeor in his battle against cancer.   Anyone is eligible to submit an entry on behalf of their favorite high school team by logging onto facebook.com/russellathletic.  Entries will be accepted from Nov. 17 until Dec. 15.

"In spite of everything he went through, Dylan always cared more about others than himself," said Heather Rebeor, Dylan's mother. "We're honored that Russell Athletic is going to keep Dylan's spirit alive through this award and hope it serves as an inspiration to others to never give up when facing difficult challenges."

Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy and current Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Colt McCoy will serve on the Fight Like Dylan Award selection committee, along with Dylan's mother and Columbia Central High School head coach, Vance Belew.  The winners of the inaugural "Fight Like Dylan Award will be announced at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ, on Tues., January 3, 2012.

For more information and to submit an entry for the Fight Like Dylan Award please visit facebook.com/russellathletic.  The full Official Rules for the contest are available on that site.  To learn more about Russell Athletic's products visit RussellAthletic.com. Join the "Together We R" movement by visiting the official blog.

About RUSSELL ATHLETIC

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

SOURCE Russell Athletic