The V Foundation, ESPN to Launch Jimmy V Week to Raise Awareness for Cancer Research Nov. 28-Dec. 4

Week-Long Iniative to Feature Special Content Across Multiple ESPN Entities Including Simultaneous Launch on Numerous ESPN Platforms, Men's and Women's Jimmy V Basketball Classics, Marathon Chat by ESPN.com's Bill Simmons, and Jim Valvano Themed Marathon on ESPN Classic

October 9, 2007 -- The V Foundation for Cancer Research and ESPN will launch Jimmy V Week, a new week-long initiative across multiple ESPN platforms and programs featuring special content to help raise awareness for cancer research, from Wednesday, Nov. 28 to Tuesday, Dec. 4.

The debut of Jimmy V Week Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. ET will feature several special elements including:

* A simultaneous launch across numerous ESPN entities (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN360.com and Mobile ESPN) and the ABC SuperSign in Times Square featuring a special Jimmy V Week introduction and a complete presentation of Jim Valvano’s poignant speech at the 1993 ESPYs.

* A marathon chat session on ESPN.com by Bill Simmons.

* An ESPN telecast of N.C. State, where Jim Valvano coached from 1980-1990 and won the 1983 NCAA Championship, at Michigan State men’s college basketball game immediately following the special simultaneous open at 7 p.m.

“We are always searching for creative ways to raise awareness and money for cancer research,” said George Bodenheimer, president, ESPN, Inc. and ABC Sports and a member of The V Foundation board. “We value the support of our fans, rightsholders, the ad sales community and employees who have come together as a team to fight this disease that can touch anyone’s life.”

Nick Valvano, CEO of The V Foundation for Cancer Research added, “For me personally, as well as many of our friends, we probably begin to miss Jim more when basketball season starts every year. What a fitting tribute to Jim that ESPN has chosen the beginning of college basketball season to pay tribute to him and the work that is being done in his memory. We are most grateful to Jim’s friends and former colleagues at Team ESPN.”

As part of the initiative, Jimmy V Week content will be incorporated into multiple studio programs and game event telecasts, including men’s and women’s college basketball, college football, NBA, PBA and more. The week will include elements driving awareness for cancer research through “Don’t Ever Give Up” moments and testimonials during various programming, content on ESPN.com and ESPN360.com, vignettes, and specific Jimmy V Week on-air graphics. Additional details will be announced as they are finalized.

Jimmy V Week will conclude Tuesday, Dec. 4 with the Jimmy V Men’s Basketball Classic doubleheader at 7 p.m. (Kansas State vs. Notre Dame) and 9 p.m. USC vs. Memphis), a night after the Jimmy V Women’s Basketball Classic at 7 p.m. (Maryland vs. Rutgers on ESPN2).

As part of Jimmy V Week, ESPN Classic will offer a Jim Valvano-themed marathon leading up to the Jimmy V Men’s Basketball Classics December 4 beginning at 12:30 p.m. The schedule will include:

Time - Show

12:30 p.m. - Up Close Classics: Jim Valvano

1 p.m. - 1987 ACC Tournament Championship (N.C. State defeats North Carolina)

3 p.m. - 1983 ACC Tournament Championship (N.C. State defeats second-ranked Virginia)

5 p.m. - ESPN Classic Big Ticket: 1983 National Championship featuring N.C State vs. Houston (features the game plus interviews with former N.C. State guard Dereck Whittenburg and Houston All-American Clyde Drexler)

The V Foundation

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has raised more than $70 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. The Foundation, which has received five consecutive top 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Review Committee. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

Source: ESPN

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