Russell Athletic launched its sixth annual Fight Like Dylan Award honoring high school teams that have demonstrated inspiring determination and perseverance of teamwork through sports.
A panel of judges, led by Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and 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, visit FightLikeDylan.org to share how the team utilized teamwork to accomplish goals or was able to overcome challenging obstacles to achieve success in the community through sports.
“We are proud to continue our mission to recognize high school sport teams that inspire their communities through the spirit of teamwork and determination,” said Matt Murphy, vice president of marketing for Russell Athletic. “The ‘Fight Like Dylan Award’ has made a significant impact on our previous recipients, and Russell Athletic is proud to continue supporting high school teams where the foundation of teamwork is born.”
Last year’s Fight Like Dylan Award recipient was Central High School in Providence, RI, which honored the Central Knights football team comprised of a number of key players who have overcome the loss of parents, friends and teammates to urban violence. Recently, they lost three teammates, all while head coach Peter Rios’ wife has continued to recover from breast cancer. The collective trauma could easily have led the Central program to all but shut down. Instead the team thrived, with the players bonding together and celebrating their strength in a display of true teamwork.
Additional recipients include:
- 2014: Shoreham-Wading River HS, NY
- 2013: Buena Vista HS, Buena Vista, CO
- 2012: Williamsport HS, Williamsport, MD
- 2011: Edmondson HS, Brownsville, KY
This year’s judging panel will also include Dylan’s mother, Heather Rebeor, who will join Dungy and representatives from the five previous recipients.
“I am proud to continue to partner with Russell Athletic on truly an incredible program for our young athletes,” said Dungy. “My involvement with the ‘Fight Like Dylan’ award these past few years has given me the opportunity to see and hear so many inspirational stories of teamwork through adversity and sometimes seemingly unbeatable odds.”
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 turn it into a powerful story of success through teamwork.
“I am beyond grateful to have Dylan’s spirit live on through the Russell Athletic ‘Fight Like Dylan’ program,” said Heather Rebeor. “Now in its sixth year, I look forward to hearing from all those who were inspired by Dylan’s incredible journey and devotion to his team.”
For more information, official rules or to submit an entry, please visit www.fightlikedylan.org.
