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

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 Metis 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.

Media Inquiries – Please Contact:

Kirsten Mihailides
Manager Public Affairs and Communications
Coca-Cola’s Vancouver 2010 Olympic Project Team
(604)828-3534 or kmihailides@na.ko.com