Coca-Cola shares the Diversity of Aboriginal Culture with Canada & the World

    VANCOUVER, July 20 /CNW/ - As a part of our company's ongoing series of
Olympic-related programming, Coca-Cola is pleased to launch the Aboriginal Art
Bottle program.
    The Coca-Cola Aboriginal Art Bottle Program will provide an opportunity
for Aboriginal people across Canada to experience the Olympic Spirit and
showcase the diversity of Aboriginal art and culture to the world by
displaying Aboriginal art on the contour bottle - the Coca-Cola's unique
global iconic asset.
    This program is open to both amateur and professional First Nations,
Inuit and Métis artists working in all artistic mediums from traditional to
contemporary (i.e. weavers, carvers, painters, beaders, jewellers, and
numerous traditional crafts), the bottles will vary in size depending on the
medium. They will command quite a presence as they can reach up to 6 ft in
height.
    Over 100 Aboriginal artists from across Canada have expressed interest in
this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create artwork that will play a role in
creating a lasting impression of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games
experience for millions of people worldwide.
    "Our cultures are thriving and we want to share them with the world,"
said Tewanee Joseph, chief executive officer of the Four Host First Nations,
official partners of the 2010 Winter Games. "When visitors come to the Games,
they will experience First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures in an
unprecedented way, from works of art in prominent locations at venues to youth
acting as torchbearers and flame attendants during the Olympic Torch Relay.
The Coca-Cola Aboriginal Art Bottle program is another exciting example of how
the diversity of Aboriginal peoples will be showcased during the Games."
    The Art Bottles will be unveiled across the country during the Vancouver
2010 Olympic Torch Relay, will be on display at select City Celebrations and
will then travel to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games where they will be
showcased for thousands of visitors to view.
    "Coca-Cola's innovative Aboriginal Art Bottle program is another
important avenue for First Nations, Inuit and Métis to feel a personal
connection with Canada's Games in 2010," said John Furlong, Chief Executive
Officer of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). "We
encourage artists across the country to seize this opportunity and unleash
their creativity to show the world a brand new way to look at the iconic Coke
bottle and the limitless potential of Aboriginal art."
    An invaluable facet to this program is its legacy.
    Each bottle will be up for sale through auction to collectors from around
the world. The proceeds from the sale of the Art Bottles will go to the
Vancouver 2010 Aboriginal Youth Legacy Fund to support sport, culture,
sustainability and education initiatives for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis
youth across Canada.
    "Coca-Cola is thrilled to be able to provide such a legacy while
contributing to VANOC's commitment to celebrate and build understanding of the
rich cultures and traditions of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada," said Nicola
Kettlitz, General Manager, Coca-Cola's Olympic Project Team.

    Coca-Cola and the Olympic Movement

    The Coca-Cola Company has been associated with the Olympic Games since
1928 and is the longest continuous corporate supporter of the Olympic
Movement. Through the Olympic Games, Coca-Cola encourages people to create
their own path of "positivity" in everyday life by believing that anything is
possible. The Company's sponsorship supports National Olympic Committees in
more than 200 countries to help athletes train and compete.

    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 more 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.

For further information: Media Inquiries - Please Contact: Kirsten
Mihailides, Manager Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola's Vancouver
2010 Olympic Project Team, [phone] or [e-mail]