Not often would parents and teachers encourage teens to miss a few days of school, but when a once-in-a-lifetime experience is the reason, there’s no need to worry about detention or losing driving privileges. Next January, Coca-Cola will offer 10 lucky teens in the U.S. a unique “show and tell” opportunity to share with their friends and family – carrying the Olympic Flame. Coca-Cola is searching for teens who exemplify positive living in their community to carry the Flame in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay when it visits Calgary on January 18-19, 2010.
“Coca-Cola is committed to making a positive difference in the world by rethinking the way we live and work,” said Bill Kelly, senior vice president, Coca-Cola Trademark Brands, Coca-Cola North America. “As a presenting partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, we are using this opportunity to recognize some outstanding teens who personify positive living and serve as sources of inspiration to their friends, family and community.”
Joining the 10 teen torchbearers in Calgary will be Olympians and Coca-Cola “Ambassadors of Active Living” Shawn Johnson and Steven Lopez. Johnson is a four-time medalist in women’s gymnastics from the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, and Lopez has medaled in men’s taekwondo in three consecutive Olympic Games. Both athletes will participate in the Relay and meet with the teens to share their Olympic experiences and speak about the importance of living positively.
Selection Process
For the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, Coca-Cola is seeking potential torchbearers who champion positive living, which is defined in the following ways:
- Balanced Living – staying active and physically fit while having fun with family and friends
- Community – working to make good things happen for people throughout the community
- Recycling – helping the planet by recycling or donating time to a recycling program in the community or school
To participate, nominators can visit www.livepositively.com and submit an essay that expresses, in 200 words or less, why the nominee is a champion of positive living. Nominations will be accepted through May 31.
All eligible entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges, and torchbearer selections will be based on how the candidates exhibit positive living through:
- Showing leadership to inspire others to a make a positive difference
- How the nominee’s work has inspired others to live positively or created sustainable results
- The breadth and depth of the impact of the nominee’s activities on the community
A national digital media campaign, supplemented by radio advertising in key markets, will help promote the call for nominations. Additionally, banner ads will run on key Coca-Cola properties such as AmericanIdol.com and on MyCokeRewards.com.
About Coca-Cola and the Olympic Movement
The Coca-Cola Company has been an Olympic partner since 1928 and is the longest continuous corporate supporter of the Olympic Movement. The Company works with National Olympic Committees in more than 200 countries to help athletes train and compete. More than 90 percent of the Coca-Cola system’s investment in the Olympic Games is directed to athlete development and to assist in staging the Games. Products of The Coca-Cola Company refresh athletes, volunteers, officials and spectators during the Olympic Games; and supporting programs such as the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay allows Coca-Cola to help share the Olympic spirit around the world. The Coca-Cola Company is the exclusive nonalcoholic beverage provider to the Olympic Games through 2020.
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with nearly 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, POWERADE, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of nearly 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our Web site at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.
Contacts:
Susan Stribling, 404-676-4120
sstribling@na.ko.com
