Send Your Teen to London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay

Do you know a teen who is making a positive difference in the community and inspiring others? Beginning today you can help showcase an inspirational teen’s achievements by nominating him/her for a once in a lifetime experience from Coca-Cola – the honor of carrying the Olympic Flame next July during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

Coca-Cola will be selecting 10 teenagers who inspire others through their dedication to living positively and effecting meaningful change to participate in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. The 10 selected torchbearers will have the opportunity to share their passion with the world when they carry the Olympic Flame in and around the historic town of Oxford, England, July 9-11, 2012, as it makes its way to London for the Opening Ceremony on July 27, 2012.

"To represent the U.S. on the world’s stage as a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer is an honor shared by local dignitaries, Olympic athletes, celebrities and everyday people whose extraordinary efforts are changing the world,” said Celeste Bottorff, vice president, Living Well, Coca-Cola North America. “Coca-Cola is thrilled to shine the spotlight on our country’s most exceptional teens as they carry the London 2012 Olympic Flame. We hope the teens’ achievements and commitment to living positively will inspire others to make a difference in their communities too.”

Coca-Cola selected Encino's own Alison Lerner to participate in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, recognizing the children’s book Alison wrote, “The Greenstreet Kids: The Earth Warriors,” which encourages environmental stewardship.

Coca-Cola is again looking for teens who, like Allison, reflect Coca-Cola’s Live Positively values to carry the London 2012 Olympic Flame. Live Positively (livepositively.com) is the guiding philosophy of The Coca-Cola Company. It is an expression of Coca-Cola’s commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of people and the communities where they live, work and play.

To nominate a teen to be a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer, please go to LivePositively.com and submit an essay that expresses, in 150 words or less, why the teen nominee is a champion of living positively. Nominees must be legal residents of the U.S. and between the ages of 13 and 18 as of July 25, 2011. Nominations will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. EDT on August 15, 2011.

Teen nominees should inspire and influence their communities through one of the Live Positively values:

• Healthy, Active Living – Do they inspire others to live positively by staying active, making smart choices and encouraging others to live healthy, active lifestyles?
• Community – Do they strive to make a positive difference in communities near and far?
• Environment – Are they active in recycling, sustainability or conservation programs that help protect the planet?

The judges will review all eligible entries and select 10 teens to be Olympic Torchbearers.  Coca-Cola will award the selected nominees and one guest with a trip to Oxford, England. The trip will include airfare, ground transportation, spending money and hotel accommodations for three days and two nights near Oxford, England, where the Olympic Torchbearer will carry the London 2012 Olympic Flame.

The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will begin May 19, 2012, and travel 12,800 kilometers throughout the United Kingdom for 70 days, concluding at the Opening Ceremony in London. The selected Olympic Torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame around Oxford, England.

About Coca-Cola and the Olympic Movement

The Coca-Cola Company has been an Olympic partner since 1928 and is the longest continuous corporate supporter of the Olympic Movement. Coca-Cola works with National Olympic Committees in more than 200 countries to help athletes train and compete. More than 90 percent of the Coca-Cola system's investment in the Olympic Games is directed to athlete development, supporting National Olympic Committees and assisting the staging of the Games. Products of The Coca-Cola Company refresh athletes, volunteers, officials and spectators during the Olympic Games and supporting programs, such as the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, allow Coca-Cola to help share the Olympic Spirit around the world. The

Coca-Cola Company is the exclusive nonalcoholic beverage provider to the Olympic Games through 2020.