Coca-Cola Helps Share Paralympic Values With Canada

VANCOUVER, March 2 /CNW/ - On March 3rd, 2010, the flame will be lit, signalling the start of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. Throughout the 10-day journey, Canadians will have the opportunity to gather and share the inspirational stories of some truly amazing Canadians.

Coca-Cola torchbearers represent to true essence of Live Positively - are role models to us all that we can achieve our life goals if we just persevere.

"Our goal is to bring the Paralympic values to life while encouraging Canadians to make a lifelong commitment to live positively," said Nicola Kettlitz, GM of Coca-Cola's Vancouver Olympic Project Team. "We strive to represent these values every day, and hope to inspire the nation through these incredible torchbearers."

The Paralympic Torch Relay (PTR) will visit 13 communities across Canada from March 3-12, marking the first time in the 22 year history of the Paralympic Torch Relay that the Flame will be run in a non-linear way. The PTR will conclude with a 24-hour event starting in Vancouver's Robson Square and ending at BC Place for the Paralympic Opening Ceremonies.

"It is an honour to have been selected by Coca-Cola to carry the Paralympic Flame in Canada's first ever Paralympic Torch Relay," said Anne Bethune, President of Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports (VASS)."I have been involved with the Disabled Skiing Association for more than 20 years, actively encouraging everyone that skiing should be fun for everyone and that no matter your ability or capability, it is possible for everybody to lead a healthy, active life."

Coca-Cola has been a proud partner of the Paralympic Games since 1992, when the Games were held in Barcelona, Spain.

About Coca-Cola and the Olympic Movement

The Coca-Cola Company has been an Olympic Games 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 non-alcoholic beverage provider to the Olympic Games through 2020.

Coca-Cola in Canada

The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company. In Canada, the Company is represented by its subsidiary, Coca-Cola Ltd. (Coca-Cola in Canada). Coca-Cola is Canada's largest beverage company. Coca-Cola in Canada markets three of Canada's top nonalcoholic sparkling beverage brands, Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Sprite, and the leading ready-to-drink tea: Nestea. In addition, our subsidiary is the largest juice and juice drinks company with Minute Maid, Five Alive and Fruitopia. The Company also markets DASANI, PowerAde and other hot and cold beverages.

For further information: about Coca-Cola in Canada, please visit our website at www.cocacola.ca or our parent company's website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com