Oklahoma City – The Sooner Athletic Conference is proud to partner with the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the American Cancer Society for Suits and Sneakers Week, which will start on Monday, January 26. This week will help raise more awareness for cancer research, as coaches from around the country will show their support in the fight against this deadly disease.
 
The SAC will kick off the week with an outstanding interview with Dr. Fachaitte Kinslow, former administrator at Langston University, and Kenisha Brown-Alexander, founder of Game Changers United. This interview will discuss cancer from both the perspectives of a cancer survivor and a caregiver. This will be played on the Urban Edge Network at 2 p.m. CT on Monday, January 26.
 
During the week, there will be various social media posts and public service announcements about cancer awareness. 
 
The highlight of the week will take place on Thursday, January 29, at Langston, as we will celebrate and continue to raise awareness during the Langston and Oklahoma City basketball games starting at 6 p.m. Both coaching staffs and administrators will be wearing their suits and sneakers during their games, while the teams will participate in pre-game ceremonies.
 
“The Sooner is excited and proud to take part in this yearly event that raises awareness for the deadly disease,” stated SAC Assistant Commissioner Jim Powers. “Everyone is affected by cancer in one way or another, and this is a way to support the American Cancer Society in the work that they do. It will be an outstanding evening of not only basketball, but also a celebration and support as both Langston and Oklahoma City will join forces for something that is bigger than the game.”
 
The American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer - Suits and Sneakers Week is a nationwide event that unites coaches across the country to raise funds and awareness about the fight against cancer and promotes the American Cancer Society as a source of inspiration and hope for those facing cancer. While coaching games during the week, coaches wear sneakers with their suits as a visible reminder of their support of the American Cancer Society.

Coaches participating in Suits and Sneakers Week help raise visibility and funds to support the American Cancer Society's work to help cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in their cancer journeys. Each year, coaches across the country contribute to our mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The program empowers basketball and other athletic coaches to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society by leveraging community leadership.