An Assist From Sprite and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Helps Westown Commons Park Get Back in the Game

Westown Commons Park Seeking Local Support To Earn Up To $15,000 In Grant Funding

Local residents can help a well-used neighborhood basketball court in Grand Rapids transform into a refreshed play space where teens can express all their uncontainable moves.

This spring, through the Sprite Spark Parks Project, Sprite and the NRPA are giving people an opportunity to get their local courts back in the game. A basketball court in Grand Rapids has been selected as one of 25 courts nationwide to be refreshed through the program, and local residents can show their support and raise funds by voting at www.SpriteSparkParks.com.

With the help of the NRPA, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people, Sprite identified Westown Commons Park as one of 25 parks to receive a grant designated to revamp basketball courts. Each of the selected courts, which are located in public parks throughout the nation, will receive funding based on the number of votes they earn through May 31, 2012.

Visitors can vote for Westown Commons Park by submitting the My Coke Rewards codes found on Sprite and Sprite Zero Fridge Pack™, 20-pack, 24-pack, 20 oz. and 2-liter products. Sprite will donate $275,000 to be distributed among the 25 parks in grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The funds will be used to refurbish rims, backboards, lights, benches and playing surfaces – sparking new life to these courts. Votes can also be cast by using community code: SPRITEPARKGR. Votes using the community code can be cast once per day per person

“The mission of the Sprite Spark Parks Project is to refresh neighborhood basketball courts so teens can be uncontainable, and this year, we’re getting 25 courts back in the game by funding grants,” said Michael Matthews, vice president, non-colas sparkling,
Coca-Cola North America. “We’re excited to give people an opportunity to earn grants for their local park and recreation agency to restore the courts where they love to play.”

“Parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities across the country are the best places for kids and teens to go to be physically active, improve their health and wellness and have fun,” said Barbara Tulipane president and CEO of NRPA. “We are proud to work with Sprite on this restorative effort because we must preserve and maintain these public spaces to ensure that all can take advantage of the healthy benefits they have to offer for years to come.”

“For many people in Grand Rapids, playing basketball is an effective form of exercise. Basketball is a fun activity that provides social benefits and can help with weight control and stress relief,” said James Hurt, Public Services Director. “We are excited that the basketball court at Westown Commons Park has been selected by NRPA and Sprite to receive grant funding to make improvements to the court.”

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. The Company’s portfolio includes 15 billion dollar brands, including Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, as well as Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitamin water, 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 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 The National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 20,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org.