Russell Brands, LLC, title sponsor of the Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando, Fla., announced a uniform and equipment donation to the City of Orlando Youth Football (COYF) valued at more than $80,000. The donation reinforces Russell's commitment to be a partner to the Orlando community through the Bowl sponsorship and various other community outreach initiatives throughout 2012 and beyond. COYF, which serves young athletes in the Orlando community by teaching good sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork and self-discipline through the sport of football, was a natural choice as the recipient of this donation, as its key values align strongly with Russell's "Together We R" messaging platform.
"Russell Athletic is excited to be a part of the Orlando community and the makeup of this great city," said Gary Barfield, executive vice president, Russell Brands, LLC. "To support an organization like the City of Orlando Youth Football, which provides young athletes with skills they will use throughout their lives, is an honor."
Through the donation, the City of Orlando Youth Football will receive new Russell Athletic uniforms – both jerseys and pants - for the 800 players in the league, as well as sideline apparel for coaches and a range of assorted accessories from wristbands to backpacks to Spalding footballs for practice and game use.
"As a city youth sports league, we instill skills that will benefit our young athletes both on and off the field," said Clifford Charlton, City of Orlando Youth Football representative. "The city is grateful for the overwhelming support of Russell Athletic and its generous donation."
This charitable donation to the City of Orlando Youth Football is another step in the Russell Athletic "Together We R" messaging platform, which celebrates teams and the players who comprise them. Russell outfits athletes at all levels, from youth sports to the collegiate level and beyond.
"As a partner in the Russell Athletic Bowl and a member of the Orlando community, we are thrilled that Russell Athletic is making this kind of impact on the city," said Steve Hogan, chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Sports. "The City of Orlando Youth Football is an organization that helps kids all across our city and the donation from Russell Athletic will undoubtedly help its players compete at the highest level."
Russell Athletic is the official uniform of the Little League World Series, the Harlem Globetrotters and the Arena Football League, as well as the proud sponsor of the Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando, Fla., through 2015 - which takes place this year on Dec. 28, 2012 at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium at 5:30 p.m. ET.
