Eighth Annual Jimmy V Week for Cancer Research Begins Today

In its eighth consecMZ6210_8023-scrutive year, ESPN's Jimmy V Week for Cancer Research begins today, Dec. 3, across all domestic ESPN platforms to drive awareness of and donations to The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Last year, Jimmy V Week raised a record $1.8 million, bringing the seven-year total of contributions to more than $8.2 million.

"Each year during Jimmy V Week, we pause to reflect on Jim Valvano's enduring words and to collectively renew our resolve to fighting this terrible disease," said John Skipper, President, ESPN. "I am so proud that ESPN has been a leader in this fight for more than 21 years for The V Foundation. Together with the support of our viewers, we've touched countless lives over the past two decades by funding critically-important cancer research programs."

Jimmy V Week launches Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. ET with a simulcast of former NC State coach Jim Valvano's 1993 ESPYs speech across ESPN domestic media networks, as well as on the ABC SuperSign in Times Square. The 13-minute speech will air simultaneously on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN3, ESPN DEPORTES and the Longhorn Network. It will also be available throughout Jimmy V Week on ESPN.com, ESPN3 and jimmyv.org. The simulcast of the speech on all platforms includes an introduction by cancer survivor, GOOD MORNING AMERICA host and 2013 Arthur Ashe Courage Award Winner Robin Roberts.

The custom PSAs and Jimmy V Week content, graphics and executions will appear in Monday Night Football, the MLS Cup and college sports programming throughout the initiative. MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL integration will include the Monday, Dec. 8, game, when the Atlanta Falcons visit the Green Bay Packers.

Jimmy V Week will conclude with the Jimmy V Women's and Men's Basketball Classics Presented by Corona. Two-time defending national champion and No. 1-ranked Connecticut plays at No. 3 Notre Dame on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 3:15 p.m. on ESPN. The men's event will showcase four top college basketball programs - Indiana, No. 7 Louisville, Illinois and No. 12 Villanova - in the 20th annual doubleheader Tuesday, Dec. 9. ESPN and ESPN Radio will offer both games from New York City's famed Madison Square Garden, beginning with Villanova vs. Illinois at 7 p.m., followed by Indiana vs. Louisville at 9 p.m.

Corona and Universal Studio's Unbroken are sponsors and have generously donated to The V Foundation.

Highlights:

Simulcast of Valvano's 1993 ESPYs speech aired simultaneously across ESPN networks;

Jimmy V Men's and Women's Basketball Classics;

Public service announcements featuring the words of Valvano's iconic speech, spoken by various athletes and personalities;

Integration in Monday Night Football, MLS Cup and college sports programming;

Features and vignettes in game telecasts and studio programming across platforms;

Special content and live chats on ESPN.com;

Social activation across ESPN and The V Foundation social platforms;

Special graphics, including the Jimmy V Week Logo and the on-screen watermark.

Additional details:

During the Jimmy V Week, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU will televise the ACC/Big Ten Challenge Presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods on Wednesday, Dec. 3, as well as games from the SEC/Big 12 Challenge Presented by Sonic from Wednesday through Saturday, Dec. 6, in addition to several college basketball telecasts. Content can also be seen during the MLS Cup on Sunday, Dec. 7, on ESPN, and throughout the Women's College Cup on Friday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 7, on ESPNU.
Additionally, ESPN Classic will carry over three days 14 memorable NC State games.

The initiative will also be integrated across ESPN studio and ESPN Radio programming with special guests and features on First Take, Olbermann, His & Hers, Outside the Lines, Highly Questionable, Pardon the Interruption, Around the Horn, The Freddie Coleman Show, Jorge Ramos y Su Banda and SportsNation. In addition, ESPN.com, Grantland, espnW, ESPN Deportes, and each of ESPN's major market multi-platform websites in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Dallas and Chicago will integrate Jimmy V Week content.

Following last year's 20th anniversary of iconic speech, a replay of Roberts and a host of athletes, coaches, celebrities and ESPN personalities reciting Valvano's memorable words in public service announcements will re-air during the week.

Across all ESPN networks, the Bottomline will encourage viewers to join ESPN and The V Foundation in the fight against cancer by calling 1-800-4-JIMMY-V or visiting jimmyv.org. The message will also run in Spanish on ESPN Deportes.

About 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 $130 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. Administrative and fundraising expenses are paid by the Foundation's endowment. The Foundation awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

About ESPN Corporate Outreach

ESPN has been entertaining sports fans for more than 35 years and strives to be a responsible corporate citizen. The corporate citizenship program of ESPN encompasses our multi-faceted community initiatives, including employee volunteerism, charitable giving and cause marketing, while also utilizing our diverse media assets. ESPN strives to have a positive impact on our employees, fans and communities worldwide.

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