Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes and Reebok Announce Online Auction of Game-Worn Gloves to Benefit Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc.

The Gloves Worn for the Winning Touchdown up for Auction on Reebok.com

Reebok and Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes today jointly announced a charitable auction through Reebok.com. The auction features the Reebok NFL Pro Lite Fade gloves that Holmes wore to catch the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII, which Holmes has autographed. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., an organization that aims to improve the quality of health, life and services for those affected with sickle cell disease, while promoting the search for a cure.

Fans have the opportunity to bid on the gloves beginning Thursday, Feb. 5th by going to www.reebok.com. The auction will end at 9:59 p.m. ET, Feb. 15th, two weeks to the moment after Holmes Super Bowl-clinching catch, which is being dubbed the “Immaculate Extension.”

Holmes’ six-year-old son, Santonio III, has been diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, a lifelong incurable disease that causes the body to make sickle-shaped red blood cells that impedes the flow of blood through blood vessels.

“The joy of being a Super Bowl Champion and MVP is great, but nothing compares to the joy of being a father,” said Holmes. “I am so proud to be able to help those who struggle on a daily basis with this disease, and I hope the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America will use this money to help others impacted by the disease and hopefully lead to finding a cure.”

“At Reebok, we are proud to support our athletes and their charitable endeavors,” said Todd Krinsky, VP, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Reebok. “Santonio’s Super Bowl heroics offer a great platform to raise awareness for a worthwhile cause, and we re pleased to be working together to help provide a vehicle for the effort to find a cure.”

“Santonio Holmes’ heart is as great as his athleticism,” said Dr. Willarda V. Edwards, President and Chief Operating Officer of Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, Md. “This selfless gesture on behalf of his son and Sickle Cell Disease says a lot about the man both on the field and off. We applaud both him and Reebok for the awareness this gesture will bring to the disease as we continue our commitment to improve the lives of those affected by this devastating disease and to seek a cure.”

Holmes, a star receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, caught nine passes for a total of 131 yards and the crucial, game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII. He also accounted for 73 of Pittsburgh’s 78 yards of offense during the final drive of the game. Holmes is the third straight Reebok-endorsed athlete to be named Super Bowl MVP, following Eli Manning in SB XLII and Peyton Manning in SB XLI.

For more information on Santonio Holmes or the auction, visit www.santonioholmes10.com.

About Reebok

Reebok International Ltd., headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts, is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of sports, fitness and casual footwear, apparel and equipment. A subsidiary of the adidas Group, the company operates under the multiple divisions of the Reebok brand, Reebok-CCM Hockey and the Sports Licensed Division. For more information, visit Reebok at www.reebok.com.

About Sickle Cell Disease Association of America

For more than 35 years, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) and its 50-plus Member Organizations and affiliates, located in more than 38 states, have demonstrated how community-based organizations can work as partners with local and state government agencies in furtherance of national health care objectives. In collaboration with member and other stakeholder organizations, SCDAA’s national efforts involve five broad categorical areas: research, public health education, professional health education, patient services and community services.

For more information regarding sickle cell disease and the work of SCDAA, please call Muriel Evans-Buck @ (410) 528-1555 or visit our website at www.sicklecelldisease.org.

Contacts

Reebok Public Relations
Daniel Sarro, 781-401-4443
or
M&C Saatchi Communications
Sandra C. John, 646-274-1295
Jonathan Schecter, 646-274-1431