GOOOOAL: Coca-Cola Offers Teens the Chance to Score Big at Soccer Camp in South Africa

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ever dream of training like a FIFA World Cup™ soccer star or experiencing the excitement of a FIFA World Cup match? Coca-Cola is kicking off a national contest to give eight lucky teenage soccer enthusiasts from the U.S. the opportunity to do both. This June, the selected Coca-Cola soccer “All-Stars” will participate in the Coca-Cola International Soccer Camp in Pretoria, South Africa, and live their dream of attending a FIFA World Cup match. The nomination process is open from now until April 5 at www.cokesoccercamp.com.

“And for these eight young people, Coca-Cola will also provide the opportunity of a lifetime as they enjoy the uplifting experience of a FIFA World Cup match firsthand.”

“For millions of people around the world, enjoying a refreshing ice-cold Coca-Cola is one of life’s pleasures,” said Bill Kelly, senior vice president, Coca-Cola Trademark, Coca-Cola North America. “And for these eight young people, Coca-Cola will also provide the opportunity of a lifetime as they enjoy the uplifting experience of a FIFA World Cup match firsthand.”

Two groups of four teens, ages 13-16, selected in a nationwide online contest will form the “All-Star” soccer teams invited to participate with 250 others teens from around the world at the camp. Held June 15-20, the camp will offer soccer training and skills demonstrations led by professional coaches.

The eight young players will be chosen based on how they maintain healthy, active lifestyles through soccer, demonstrate leadership on and off the soccer field and focus on education. Beside attending the soccer camp and seeing a FIFA World Cup game, the “All-Stars” will experience the beauty of Johannesburg’s premiere nature reserves.

“No other sport symbolizes optimism, team work and community spirit on a global level like soccer,” said L. Celeste Bottorff, vice president of Living Well, Coca-Cola North America. “We are happy to have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of young people who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities and embracing a healthy, active lifestyle.”

Nearly 20 countries from around the world will be sending teens to the Coca-Cola International Soccer Camp including Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Egypt and more. While at the camp, these young players will take part in a series of team-spirited soccer and cultural activities including:

June 15 – Arrive in Johannesburg and participate in the camp Opening Ceremony
June 16 – Start soccer training and attend a FIFA World Cup^™ Match
June 17 – Continue soccer practice and experience a half-day African safari
June 18 – Join in art and cultural activities, watch a camp tournament and talent show
June 19 – Cheer on the final tournament, take a picture with the FIFA World Cup Mascot and participate in closing ceremony and farewell dinner
June 20 – Head home to share the experience with others

2010 Coca-Cola Soccer Camp Contest Nomination Process and Eligibility

Beginning on February 25, 2010 at 12:00:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) and ending 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on April 5, 2010 eligible individuals (each a “Nominator”) can log on to www.livepositively.com/cokesoccercamp or www.CokeSoccerCamp.com and follow the instructions to complete the nomination form. Contest is open only to, and all Nominators, Nominees and Coaches must be legal residents of one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. Nominators must be 13 years of age or older as of February 22, 2010. Nominees must be between the ages of 13-16 as of February 22, 2010 and in addition must be ages 13-16 to attend camp (born between 6/21/93 – 2/22/97). To be eligible, each of the Nominees must currently be, or have previously been (within the past year) a member of an organized soccer team. Nominees may be either male or female, but all Nominees on a Team must be the same gender. For rules, prize descriptions and complete details, visit www.livepositively.com/cokesoccercamp or www.CokeSoccerCamp.com. Sponsor: The Coca-Cola Company.

About the 2010 FIFA World Cup™

The much-anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup^™ takes place in South Africa beginning June 11. It is the first time the 32 final teams are competing for the most sought after trophy in the world on the African continent. The final will be played on July 11 at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. For more than 30 years, The Coca-Cola Company has been a champion of FIFA^™organized events, touching the lives of millions of people around the world and supporting countless numbers of athletes in their training for and participation in various competitions.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Together with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes 14 billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply 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 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 website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.