Coaches join the fight against cancer

ATLANTA, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- U.S. college basketball coaches plan to wear sneakers along with the suits at games this weekend to show their support for the fight against cancer.

The National Association of Basketball Coaches said by wearing sneakers with business suits participating coaches can help to publicize that cancer is one of the nation's biggest health concerns.

"Cancer is a very important issue to me," said Indiana Coach Kelvin Sampson. "What we're doing here can save lives. We coaches cannot be selfish with our time. If each of us works within our community, we can collectively make a big impact toward building a cancer-free future."

The NABC and the American Cancer Society are joining to increase cancer awareness and raise funds to fight the disease through year-round educational efforts and fundraising activities.

Other coaches involved include Duke's Mike Krzyzewski and Phil Martelli of Saint Joseph's.

The ACS also sponsors a golf Invitational in June and an event for coaches' wives at the Final Four.