Demorest, GA -- The Piedmont College basketball doubleheader this Sunday, January 31st against Maryville College is about more than facing off against the team's conference rival. It will also be about giving to a cause that has touched hundreds of lives. The men's basketball coaching staffs of both Piedmont and Maryville will be wearing sneakers instead of their usual dress shoes on the sideline. This fashion statement is to show support for the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative and to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Coaches vs. Cancer is collaboration between the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the American Cancer Society in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. Coaches can show their outward support of the mission by wearing sneakers on the sidelines. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of nearly 500 basketball coaches across the country, Coaches vs. Cancer participants have raised more than $30 million since 1993 to help the Society fund groundbreaking cancer research, provide up-to-date cancer information and education, advocate for public health policies that benefit the community and provide services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

Because cancer has touched so many of our nation's basketball coaches, Coaches vs. Cancer offers them the unique opportunity to fight the disease. Through integrated fundraising activities and public awareness campaigns, participating coaches are truly making a difference in the fight against cancer and are raising awareness in their communities about the importance of cancer prevention, early detection, and making healthy lifestyle choices.

There are two ways PC basketball fans can help support the cause. The first is to wear some sort of pink clothing to the game to signify the American Cancer Society's fight against Breast Cancer. At halftime of the men's game, a group photo will be taken of everyone wearing pink and a framed copy will be sent in with the team's donation. If you do not have pink to wear you can support the cause by purchasing a pink t-shirt honoring the event. The shirts will be on sale for $10 in the Mize Center lobby.

The Lions have pledged a contribution to Coaches vs. Cancer and have asked fans to do the same. For more information on the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative, visit http://www.coachesvscancer.org. Donation forms are available at in the lobby of the Mize Center. Last season, the men's team donated $500 to the American Cancer Society.

"I am proud that our men's basketball program has chosen to take part in the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative for the second consecutive year. Cancer is one of those consuming diseases that, directly or indirectly, affects almost everyone. I am looking forward to seeing both our campus and local community use the evening of basketball to come together and compete against a much greater cause," stated seventh-year head coach Lee Glenn.

The Coaches vs. Cancer promotion is part of the team's 2009-2010 home game promotions that are encouraged to make Cave Arena a fun and exciting NCAA college basketball experience for the Piedmont College and Habersham county communities.