Wanted to share this moving story we found with you.
$50,000 uniform and equipment grant announced; winner to be celebrated at Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl on January 3, 2012
Published: Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011
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 Dyland Rebeor of Columbia, TN, who lost his battle with color 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.
"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 Dyland Award selection committee, along with Dylan's mother and Columbia Central High School head coach, Vance Belew. The winners of the inaugural "Fight Like Dyland Award will be announced at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ, on Tues., January 3, 2012.
No comments:
Post a Comment