With just one year to go until “08-08-08” and the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, The Coca-Cola Company is announcing plans for a new global Olympic television commercial featuring Olympians LeBron James and Yao Ming. The Olympic Games in Beijing will represent the largest union of cultures in the history of the modern Games, and the new ad will highlight James and Yao as “Olympic Ambassadors” who symbolize how the world comes together over a Coca-Cola during the Games. The new commercial will be part of the global “Coke Side of Life” campaign. “I am extremely proud to be a member of the U.S. Olympic team,” said LeBron James, co-captain of Team USA Basketball. “The Olympics bring people from around the world together to share in the spirit of the Games. Teaming with my fellow NBA All-Star Yao Ming in the new Coca Cola Olympic commercial demonstrates how East and West will unite during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.”
The Coca-Cola Company has proudly partnered with the Olympic Games for almost 80 years, longer than any other sponsor. The Company and its brands espouse the same ideals of unity and physical and mental well-being that are a central part of the Olympic Movement. “We are excited about the coming year of uplifting Coca-Cola programs that will celebrate the magic of the 2008 Olympic Games together with our partners and consumers,” said Hendrik Steckhan, president and general manager, Sparkling Beverages, Coca-Cola North America. “The Olympic Games and Coca-Cola both connect people in a positive, inspiring way. In our new commercial, LeBron and Yao will come together not as competitors, but as individuals to show how the Olympic Games and Coca-Cola truly unite cultures and people.” Source: cavs.com.