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East Africa: Coca-Cola Announces Torchbearers Dar es Salaam Olympic Torch Relay
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The Coca-Cola Company (Atlanta)
PRESS RELEASE
27 March 2008
Posted to the web 27 March 2008
Nairobi
The Coca-Cola East and Central Africa business has today released a list of six distinguished personalities who will be their torchbearers during this year’s African leg of the Olympic Torch Relay scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam on the 13th of April. The six were chosen for their excellence in environmental conservation, service towards humanity and in sports.
On the list of torchbearers is Nobel laureate and leading environmentalist, Professor Wangari Maathai and UN Habitat Director General and the first African woman to hold the position of UN Under-Secretary-General Dr. Anna Tibaijuka. Also named as a torchbearer is one of Africa’s greatest pioneer athletes, two time Olympic gold medalist and member of the International Olympic Committee Dr. Kipchoge Keino. Another athlete on the list is one of Uganda’s most celebrated runners, Dorcus Inzikuru also referred to as “the Gazelle”. Completing the list are Congolese conservationist Pierre Kakule and Nathan Kalumbu, the President of Coca-Cola East and Central Africa Limited.
Speaking when unveiling the list of torchbearers, Dr.Nelson Githinji, Senior Manager, Public Affairs & Head of Public Policy, Coca-Cola East and Central Africa said,” Every one of these Torchbearers is a giant in their own right and a trendsetter and it is thus a great honour that they have agreed to take part in this wonderful event. A lot of thought and consideration went into the selection of these six personalities and this being the first time the Torch is coming to East Africa, we had to ensure that the torchbearers selected not only embody the spirit of the Olympics but are also true African ambassadors.”
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The Coca-Cola Company announced that its worldwide presentation of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay will focus on environmental sustainability and the roles people can play in improving the quality of life in their communities. To deliver its message of environmental stewardship and recognize those who are dedicated to pursuing positive change, The Coca-Cola Company has selected more than 100 “environmental champion” torchbearers from around the world to carry the Olympic Flame during its record-setting, four-month global journey.
The worldwide search by The Coca-Cola Company for Torch Relay participants included identification of local citizens who make a difference in society by playing active roles in environmental issues, primarily in the areas of water conservation, recycling, and energy management and climate protection; the three main engines driving the environmental initiatives of The Coca-Cola Company.
The six will be part of 80 runners who will carry the Olympic Flame as it makes its East African debut. Dar es Salaam is the only city in Africa that will organize this prestigious event. This is the second time the torch is touching African soil after its maiden appearance during the 2004 Athens Olympics.
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