Russell Athletic Launches Fifth Annual 'Fight Like Dylan Award'

BOWLING GREEN, Ky., Sept. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Russell Athletic announced today it is launching the fifth annual "Fight Like Dylan Award" honoring high school teams that have demonstrated inspiring determination and perseverance through sports. A panel of judges, led by former NFL Head Coach Tony Dungy, will select one recipient to receive a $50,000 grant in athletic apparel and sports equipment for their school. To submit an entry, head to FightLikeDylan.org to share how your team utilized teamwork to accomplish team goals or overcame challenging obstacles to achieve success in the community through sports. 

"Throughout the past four years we have heard remarkable stories across the country," said Robby Davis, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Russell Athletic. "The 'Fight Like Dylan Award' has made an incredible impact on our previous recipients and we are proud to continue supporting this initiative honoring high school sports teams that have persevered and triumphed in the face of adversity."

Last year's "Fight Like Dylan Award" recipient was Shoreham-Wading River High School in Shoreham, NYC (Long Island) which honored fallen teammate Tom Cutinella who embodied the spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship. Tom rallied the team around the idea of being the Long Island Champions. Through his inspiration, the Wildcats finished 10-0 and won the Long Island title.

Additional recipients include:

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

This year's judges panel that will be reviewing submissions and selecting a recipient are former NFL Football Coach, Tony Dungy, Dylan's mother, Heather Rebeor and representatives from the four previous recipients.

"This is truly a program that is near and dear to my heart," said program spokesperson Tony Dungy. "I am so proud to partner with Russell Athletic, Dylan's family, and the previous recipients to celebrate these great stories of teams coming together to overcome tragedy and hardship."

Dylan Rebeor's story of determination and tireless dedication to his teammates anchors the "Fight Like Dylan" program. In 2010, he was diagnosed with cancer, but after becoming ill, his commitment to his team never wavered. His final wish was for his team to receive new uniforms for the upcoming season through the "Make A Wish Foundation". The "Fight Like Dylan Award" was established by Russell Athletic in conjunction with Dylan's family and coaches to not only grant that wish, but to celebrate other teams facing adversity and turning it into a powerful story of success through teamwork.

"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.'"

For more information, official rules or to submit an entry, please visit www.fightlikedylan.org. To join the conversation on social media or to share your story, please use #FightLikeDylan.

About Russell Athletic

For more than 110 years, Russell Athletic has supplied America's athletes and teams with the best on field product to help them perform at the highest level and is a leading supplier of athletic apparel. Russell Athletic'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 and our social media platforms, Facebook: Russell Athletic, Twitter: @RussellAthletic  and Instagram: @RussellAthletic.

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SOURCE Russell Athletic