Coca-Cola Renews Global Sponsorship of Special Olympics, Identifies Executive to...

Coca-Cola Renews Global Sponsorship of Special Olympics, Identifies Executive to Serve as Special Olympics President and COO

Coca-Cola and Special Olympics Further Partnership On 40th
Anniversary of Long-Term Relationship
ATLANTA--(Business Wire)--
The Coca-Cola Company and Special Olympics today announced the
renewal of their partnership through 2011 and further strengthened
their 40-year relationship with the election of Coca-Cola executive J.
Brady Lum to serve as the new President and Chief Operating Officer of
Special Olympics, Inc.

To celebrate the renewal of a partnership that dates to the
founding of Special Olympics in 1968, The Coca-Cola Company hosted the
semi-annual Special Olympics International Board of Directors meeting
at the world headquarters of Coca-Cola where board members, along with
other Coca-Cola employees, participated in sporting activities with
invited Special Olympics athletes.

The worldwide sponsorship commitment, which covers the calendar
years 2008 through 2011 - including support for the 2009 Special
Olympics World Winter Games and the 2011 World Summer Games - consists
of cash, in-kind products and services, technical support and
marketing and fund-raising support for Special Olympics.

Underscoring the relationship, the organizations announced that
Lum will serve as President and COO of Special Olympics. In that
capacity, he will provide strategic direction and day-to-day
leadership for Special Olympics. Lum is a 15-year veteran of the
Coca-Cola system, most recently having led the integration of the
"Manifesto for Growth," a global initiative that recast the Company's
mission, vision and capabilities. He has served in a variety of
leadership roles in operations, marketing, strategic planning and
organizational development, including Vice President, North America
Strategic Planning and Integration and Vice President and Northeast
Region Manager for Coca-Cola North America.

Mr. Lum's community involvement has been extensive. He has served
as Chairman of the Board of the national Hands On Network, and as a
Board Member, chaired the Strategic Planning Committee of the recently
combined Hands On Network and Points of Light Foundation. He has also
served on the Jefferson Scholars National Selection Committee and Mead
Endowment Advisory Board at the University of Virginia, and is a
graduate of the Diversity Leadership Academy in Atlanta. He earned a
bachelor's degree in government and foreign affairs, with honors, from
the University of Virginia and a master's degree in business from
Harvard University.

"For the past four decades, Coca-Cola has been a committed
supporter of Special Olympics," said Timothy Shriver, Chairman of
Special Olympics. "That dedication is evident today through a renewed
sponsorship but perhaps even more telling, the willingness to offer a
very talented and experienced executive to serve as President and
Chief Operating Officer of Special Olympics. It is a rare opportunity
to welcome someone of Brady's caliber and expertise in building
collaborative teams and working within multinational, decentralized
businesses."

Lum's involvement represents a continuation of Coca-Cola's support
for Special Olympics through its senior leadership. In 2007, Muhtar
Kent, President and Chief Operating Officer, The Coca-Cola Company,
was elected to the Special Olympics International Board of Directors.

"It is appropriate that in a year when we celebrate the 40th
anniversary of our founding partnership with Special Olympics that we
further strengthen the ties that bond our organizations," said Mr.
Kent. "It is a reflection that we are natural partners because we
share the same values of inclusion, acceptance and optimism."

Coca-Cola, which became a founding partner of Special Olympics
when the organization was established in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy
Shriver, has been deeply involved with both the summer and winter
editions of the Special Olympics World Games since 1979. The Coca-Cola
Company supports the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games and Special
Olympics World Games, three global events that bring people together
from all around the world through sport.

"I look forward to working with Tim Shriver, a truly visionary
leader, in exploring new opportunities to extend the reach and impact
that the Special Olympics has on communities around the world," said
Lum.

Special Olympics athletes, Coca-Cola employees and members of the
Special Olympics Board of Directors at today's festivities came
together in the "Special Olympics Sports Experience" zone set up at
Coca-Cola headquarters. This activity allowed participants to
experience the talents and personalities of Special Olympics athletes
first hand through interactive sports activities such as basketball,
table tennis, bocce and floor hockey.

About Coca-Cola

The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company,
refreshing consumers with more than 450 sparkling and still brands.
Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand,
the Company's portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands,
including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater,
Powerade, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1
provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and
ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage
distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the
Company's beverages at a rate of 1.5 billion servings a day. With an
enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company
is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve
resources and enhance the economic development of the communities
where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit
our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international organization that changes
lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion among
people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round
sports training and athletic competition and other related programming
for 2.8 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in
more than 180 countries, Special Olympics has created a model
community that celebrates people's diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with
intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their
potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and
experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics at
www.specialolympics.org.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Media can retrieve a digital photo to accompany
this story by visiting our Press Center image gallery at
www.thecoca-colacompany.com after 2:00 p.m. EDT.

The Coca-Cola Company
Media Contacts:
Petro Kacur
+1 404-676-2683
pressinquiries@na.ko.com
or
Special Olympics
Kirsten Suto Seckler
+1 202-715-1147
kseckler@specialolympics.org

Copyright Business Wire 2008