The Coca-Cola Company today announced it has renewed its sponsorship of Special Olympics Inc. through 2005.
The partnership covers the next two summer and winter Special Olympics World Games, which will be held, respectively, in Dublin, Ireland, in June 2003 and Nagano, Japan, in February/March 2005.
The Coca-Cola Company has been affiliated with Special Olympics since 1968, and was the movement’s first corporate sponsor.
As a Global Partner, the company will conduct promotions and other activities in conjunction with Special Olympics events and will provide its broad range of products to support World Games. In addition, the company and Special Olympics will develop joint ’cause-related’ marketing activities specifically designed to raise awareness and funds for the organization.
‘Special Olympics remains one of the premier organizations of its kind in the world, having helped create positive and enduring change in the lives of people with mental retardation for nearly 35 years,’ said Douglas N. Daft, chairman and chief executive officer, The Coca-Cola Company. ‘As a founding sponsor of Special Olympics, we have proudly watched the program grow from its roots in Chicago’s Soldier Field to more than 150 countries. Together with our local bottling partners, we look forward to continuing to support Special Olympics’ mission in local communities throughout the world.’
‘We are proud that The Coca-Cola Company will continue its partnership with Special Olympics and together we will bring the message of sport, joy and human acceptance to communities around the world. As we work to double the number of Special Olympics athletes globally to 2 million strong, the Coca-Cola partnership will be of tremendous support,’ said Timothy Shriver, president and CEO of Special Olympics Inc.
‘For more than two decades, Special Olympics has been fortunate to have one of the finest global companies lend its marketing expertise and staff volunteers to our movement in local communities as well as at our flagship World Games. We look forward to working closely with Coca-Cola to better the lives of Special Olympics athletes through sports training and competition.’
Coca-Cola Ireland also unveiled preliminary plans for the 2003 Special Olympics World Games, which will be held in Dublin, June 20-29. Among the activities planned are:
Refreshing the Athletes – Coca-Cola will be refreshing the athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers in over 40 locations throughout the World Games with a wide variety of soft drinks, juices and waters.
Coca-Cola Pin Trading – A variety of specially designed Coca-Cola/Special Olympics pins will be available during the World Games. Additionally, fun, interactive Coca-Cola pin trading kiosks will be a key feature of Festival Village and Olympic Town.
Commemorative Packs – In honor of the 2003 Special Olympics World Games, Coca-Cola Ireland will issue a special commemorative pack featuring the 2003 World Games logo. A limited number of collectible Coca-Cola packs will be available in Ireland leading up to the World Games.
For further information please conatact:
Jonathan Chandler
Communications Director
West Europe Group
T: +44 208 237 3286
F: +44 208 237 3712
E: alifuentes@eur.ko.com
W: www.coca-cola.com