Sprite® Launches "Sprite Step Off™” – Largest Step Competition in History with the Biggest Combined Prize Pool – $1.5 Million

Sprite challenges fraternities and sororities to get their "step on” with the launch of "Sprite Step Off,” the largest college Greek stepping competition ever, with the biggest combined stepping prize pool in history – $1.5 million in scholarships. In addition, with the Sprite Step Off Service Challenge, Sprite is calling on young people to collectively donate 1.5 million hours of community service focused on educational empowerment, active living and community initiatives. Sprite Step Off will be a historic and unprecedented tournament that will showcase the multicultural college experience through stepping, scholarship and service.

Sprite Step Off is comprised of three main components that will bring this concept to life—the stepping tournament, the entertainment tour and the Service Challenge. On Saturday, September 12, 2009, Sprite Step Off will kick off the tournament, the entertainment tour and the Service Challenge at The National Mall in Washington, D.C., during the 24th Annual Black Family Reunion Celebration.

"With Sprite Step Off, Sprite is showcasing the richness of the multicultural college experience and creativity of Greek letter organizations through a dynamic form of self-expression that has been shared by many for years. Now we’re making it possible for a broader audience to experience this unique culture first hand in an unprecedented way,” said Maurice Cooper, brand manager, Sprite, Coca-Cola North America. "Sprite Step Off will not only elevate stepping to a new level, but more importantly it will bring a fresh perspective to higher education and service for your people across the country.”

The tournament features 30 events in 25 cities and begins with a series of Qualifying Rounds in September and October followed by Regional Semifinals and Regional Finals in October and November. The National Finals will be held on January 19, 2010 in Atlanta. The tournament is open to all undergraduate fraternity and sorority step teams. Teams are encouraged to visit www.spritestepoff.com to obtain more information about registration and Qualifying Round dates and locations.

Sprite Step Off will also have an exciting entertainment tour that will feature popular artists. Each event throughout the tournament will showcase a variety of recording artists, renowned marching bands and celebrity DJs. To highlight the passion that exists behind stepping, Sprite will create and feature content that showcases the different aspects of the tournament, including the service platform on spritestepoff.com and other media outlets.

Sprite Step Off Service Challenge

Sprite Step Off Service Challenge, the service platform of Sprite Step Off, is a national service initiative designed to ignite individuals and organizations nationwide to refresh their communities and inspire young people to pursue higher education. The Service Challenge seeks to make volunteerism and community service a core part of American life by challenging everyone, especially young people, to collectively donate 1.5 million hours of service between September 12, 2009 and September 12, 2010. Individuals or organizations interested in accepting the Service Challenge are encouraged to visit www.spritestepoff.com/servicechallenge to register and pledge their hours.

Giving back to the community and a strong commitment to service has long been a part of The Coca-Cola system’s DNA. The Sprite Step Off Service Challenge supports that commitment and builds on the service foundation of most multicultural Greek letter organizations. Through partnerships with national and local non-profit organizations, such as Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) and Ronald McDonald House Charities, Sprite is seeking to spark a culture of leadership among youth and get them excited about positively impacting their community.

"Sprite Step Off Service Challenge is another example of the strong partnership between The Coca-Cola Company and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. We are excited that our Club members will be mentored by these college students in both being physically active through stepping and pursuing a higher education by sharing their own experiences,” said Frank Sanchez, vice president, Corporate and Partner Relations, BGCA. "We are looking forward to the great work the Sprite Step Off teams will perform in our Clubs all across the country.”

Background on College Greek Stepping

College Greek "Stepping” is a mix of foot movements, handclaps and voice chants performed by historically African-American Greek letter organizations. This form of self-expression has transcended African-American Greek letter organizations and is now shared by many multicultural fraternities and sororities, including both Hispanic and Asian groups. Sprite created the tournament to celebrate the uniqueness and manifestation of stepping and to recognize the leadership, service, loyalty and perseverance that make the multicultural college Greek system a source of empowerment.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with nearly 500 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 nearly 1.6 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 Web site at thecoca-colacompany.com.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has helped kids "Be Great," providing hope and opportunity for those who need it most. Today, more than 4,300 Clubs serve some 4.5 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Known as The Positive Place for Kids, Boys & Girls Clubs can be found throughout the country and on U.S. military bases worldwide, providing young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Clubs positively impact lives and help young people reach their full potential as productive, caring citizens. Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a recent Harris Survey of Club alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

Note to Editor:
For Sprite Step Off media credentials, please contact Gorki De Los Santos, at 404-515-4400 or at gdelossantos@na.ko.com.