Xenith to award $5,000 in equipment grants through the first ever Xenith Passion, Purpose, & Pride Awards
DETROIT (July 30, 2020) — The Detroit Sports Commission (DSC) announced today that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic (XPKC) scheduled for Aug. 27-29 at Wayne State University has been canceled.
The event cancelation decision is based on the ultimate priority of student-athlete, spectator and event staff and volunteer safety. The decision-making factors included current health safety guidelines from the State of Michigan, campus activity protocols at Wayne State University, new fall sport-recommendations from the MHSAA and extensive communication with the athletic department leadership of the participating schools.
“The Detroit Sports Commission and Xenith are committed to the health and safety of those involved with all of the events we host and/or support,” said Dave Beachnau, Detroit Sports Commission Senior Vice President. “Since 2005, the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic has provided more than 80 schools in Michigan and neighboring states the opportunity to open their season in a bowl-game like setting on a college campus and we look forward to continuing the tradition at the 2021 Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic.”
In support of the event’s participating schools, title sponsor of the Prep Kickoff Classic, Detroit-based football brand Xenith, is keeping its commitment to award three deserving programs with a total of $5,000 in equipment grants through the first ever Xenith Passion, Purpose, & Pride Awards. Beginning Monday, August 3, the public will be able to vote for the program they feel best demonstrates the values of passion, purpose, and pride in their communities, and the top three vote recipients will receive $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000 in Xenith equipment grants.
“Across the board, protecting athletes is what we do at Xenith. It is a difficult decision to not move forward with the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic, but it is the right thing to do for the safety of all involved, on and off the field,” said Ryan Sullivan, Xenith CEO. “The ways these high school football programs are giving back to their communities and demonstrating Passion, Purpose, and Pride during these difficult times is more important than ever and we look forward keeping our commitment to honor those who stand out in these areas through the Passion, Purpose, & Pride Awards this fall.”
Xenith is the recognized leader in helmet technology and exclusively produces Five-Star helmets on the Virginia Tech rating system, and all Xenith helmets score in the Top-Performing Group of the NFL Laboratory Testing Performance Results.
The following matchups were set to take place at the 2020 Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic:
Thursday Aug. 27
Canton vs. Dearborn Fordson, 4 p.m.
Chippewa Valley vs. Detroit Catholic Central, 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 28
Birmingham Groves vs. Southfield High School for the Arts & Technology, 4 p.m.
Lake Orion vs. Macomb Dakota, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 29
Detroit Cass Tech vs. Grandville, 1 p.m.
Muskegon Mona Shores vs. River Rouge, 4 p.m.
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About the Detroit Sports Commission
The mission of the Detroit Sports Commission is to market and sell metro Detroit as a premier destination for regional, national and international amateur sporting events. The DSC is a not-for-profit charitable organization, IRS 501 (C) (3), and a subsidiary of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB). For more information, visit detroitsports.org.
About Xenith
Xenith creates top-rated football helmets, non-tackle headgear, equipment, and apparel designed to elevate the athlete’s pursuit. Their athlete-first design approach is backed by rigorous science, engineering, and innovation which transcends laboratory testing to address on-field needs. Xenith outfits the athlete from head to ankle in a suite of performance products for playing, training, and living.
All Xenith helmets are Five-Star rated on the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings System, and score in the “Top-Performing Group” of the NFL Helmet Laboratory Testing Performance Results. Xenith is committed to democratizing protection by making top-rated helmets, shoulder pads, and gear available at an equitable price point for anyone who wants to play football – from youth, to varsity, to the pros. Xenith’s training and compression apparel give athletes the extra edge they demand to take their game to the next level.
Xenith sees football as a force for good in the community, and executes this vision with passion, purpose, and pride. For more information, please visit xenith.com.
