As the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ kicks off, Coca-Cola partners with soccer
superstar DaMarcus Beasley to promote the passion and benefits of soccer
among African American youth.
Beasley, a defender, will be the first American to play in four FIFA
World Cup™ competitions. He is also among a small group of African
American athletes to play soccer (or “fútbol”) on the prestigious
international stage. Coca-Cola hopes the inspirational Beasley will help
urban youth connect to the world’s most beloved sport and encourage the
African American community to rally around him as he competes for
soccer’s most esteemed prize.
In the spirit of the FIFA World Cup™, Beasley joins Coca-Cola in
inviting consumers who purchase a refreshing Coca-Cola product to donate
a soccer ball to a school of their choice. Now through July 13, 2014,
consumers can visit www.coke.com/soccer
and enter a participating Coca-Cola product code to donate a soccer ball
to schools registered with MyCokeRewards.com throughout the country.
Additionally, participants can enter to instantly win prizes and
download “The World Is Ours,” Coca-Cola’s song for the 2014 FIFA World
Cup™ campaign. “Give a Ball” supports Coca-Cola’s overall commitment to
promote active, balanced lifestyles among today’s youth.
“The game of soccer has taken me from Indiana to places all around the
world,” said Beasley. “It has opened doors for me that I could never
have dreamed of; and, that’s why I am excited to work with Coca-Cola to
encourage the dreams of young people throughout the world.”
“The Coca-Cola Company has always shared an enormous passion for soccer
and the world of endless possibilities that it offers to youth globally
and right here in the U.S.,” said Lauventria Robinson, vice president,
Multicultural Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. “DaMarcus is a
tremendous role model to inspire young people. Together, we hope to
encourage the country to join us in celebrating soccer as a force for
social good. Give a ball and help us open those possibilities for the
next generation of DaMarcus Beasleys.”
Coca-Cola is also working with its bottlers and customer partners, such
as Family Dollar, to refurbish select soccer fields this fall. The
Coca-Cola and Family Dollar® Soccer Field Makeover Promotion will
provide $15,000 to a local soccer field in need of refurbishment.
Beasley will appear at a celebratory community event recognizing the
refurbishment of the soccer field.
Additionally, Coca-Cola partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America
to identify two outstanding teens to participate as flag bearers for the
U.S. during one of the USMNT matches in Brazil. Each teen will receive
tickets to the United States vs. Germany game and a cultural immersion
experience while in Brazil.
The Coca-Cola Company has had a long-standing relationship with FIFA
since 1974 and has been an official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™ since
1978. Coca-Cola has had stadium advertising at every FIFA World Cup™
since 1950 and is a long-time supporter of soccer at all levels.
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.
Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable
brands, our Company's portfolio features 16 billion-dollar brands
including Diet
Coke, Fanta,
Sprite,
Coca-Cola
Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade,
Minute
Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del
Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages,
ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world's
largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200
countries enjoy our beverages
at a rate of more than 1.8 billion servings a day. With an enduring
commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused
on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy
living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our
associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities
where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the
world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system
associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola
Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com,
follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo,
visit our blog, Coca-Cola
Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com
or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.
Copyright Business Wire 2014