With two months to go until the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing,
Coca-Cola is inviting people in the United States to celebrate the Olympic ideals of unity, optimism and inspiration. Long before the first medals are awarded in August 2008, Coca-Cola will build excitement for the Olympic Games with the launch of an Olympic-themed program in the United States. Anchored by a group of high-profile U.S. Olympians and Olympic hopefuls, limited edition Olympic-themed packaging and online experiences, the program is designed to bring fans together to celebrate the spirit and camaraderie associated with the world's biggest sporting event. "Together, Coca-Cola and the Olympic Games have shared and promoted the values of unity, optimism and inspiration for 80 years," says Hendrik Steckhan, president and general manager, Sparkling Beverages, Coca-Cola North America. "For the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, we're continuing that legacy of engaging the world. By combining Coca-Cola cans in different languages with six amazing athletes, we've created a program that celebrates global communities coming together and the unifying spirit of the Olympic Games and Coca-Cola." Beginning May 19, Coca-Cola released limited edition, Olympic-themed collectible cans and FridgePacks bearing the iconic Coca-Cola logo in different languages, including Ethiopian, Russian, Thai, Mandarin and English. This new packaging marked the first appearance of the Coca-Cola script in different languages in the United States, with new designs appearing every two to three weeks.
