Coca-Cola Partners with the Washington Nationals to "Get the Ball Rolling" Against Childhood Obesity

Nationals and Coca-Cola host clinic at Nationals Park to promote healthy living among D.C., Maryland and Virginia youth

WASHINGTON, D.C. - To coincide with National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, The Coca-Cola Company and the Washington Nationals have teamed up for the second consecutive year to promote “Live Positively: Get the Ball Rolling.” The initiative is designed to educate local youth about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle through proper exercise and nutrition.

As part of Coca-Cola’s “Get the Ball Rolling” program in Washington, D.C., the Nationals will host a youth baseball clinic at Nationals Park on Monday, September 19 at 10 a.m. Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman will join approximately 300 middle school students for the event, which will utilize the entire ballpark to teach batting, fielding and pitching techniques. Following the clinic, Zimmerman will talk to participants about the importance of a balanced diet and making smart food choices. The event is open to media.

“We are so proud to once again work with Coca-Cola on this important program, which was started right here in our backyard,” Nationals Vice Chairman and Principal Owner Mark D. Lerner said. “With guidance from some of the area’s best athletes, this initiative will help put kids on the path to leading happy, healthy lives.”

In addition to the Nationals clinic, the Redskins, Capitals, Wizards and Mystics will host a series of clinics throughout the fall for youth living in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Each sports team, in partnership with Coca-Cola, will host a clinic focused on teaching youth the importance of exercise and a balanced diet. Professional athletes will run fitness drills and nutrition experts will provide information on balanced eating for participants to take home and share with their families.

“Coca-Cola always aims to support programs that make a positive difference in the lives of consumers and the communities where they live, work, and play,” said Dori Silverman, area vice president of region marketing for Coca-Cola North America. “Coca-Cola is especially proud to support programs that empower young people with the tools they need to live a balanced, active lifestyle. We are honored to partner with the professional sports teams of Washington D.C. to get kids more active and to help address the issue of childhood obesity.”

It is not often that all professional sports team owners in a city join forces for two consecutive years to support a cause. The collective influence of these high-profile partners is intended to amplify the important message of the program: young people need the tools and knowledge to help them eat right, be active and lead a healthy lifestyle. Together, Washington’s professional sports teams and Coca-Cola will give youth an exciting opportunity to connect with local icons, while teaching them how to “play like pros and eat like pros.”

The D.C.-area alliance began last year with the support of D.C.-area sports teams. Since its launch, the program has expanded to New York, partnering with Madison Square Garden and the New York Rangers, and to Boston with the Boston Red Sox. “Get The Ball Rolling” is an example of The Coca-Cola Company’s Live Positively platform in action. For more information visit: www.livepositively.com

About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio features 15 billion dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia. 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 1.7 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, 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 the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation
The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation and the Washington Nationals Baseball Club are committed to community partnerships that improve the lives of children and families across the Washington Capital Region. The Dream Foundation’s cornerstone programs are focused on children’s education, health and recreation. A 501(c)3 charitable organization, the Dream Foundation has committed to, among other projects, a partnership with the DC Government to build the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy to teach the game of baseball and provide after school educational programs for children in the DC region. For more information, visit nationals.com/dream.