Coca-Cola Refreshments & youth teams join Starfire to sponsor a water well project through the 2011 XTREME Cup tournament
TUKWILA, Wash.—July 12, 2011—The 2011 Starfire XTREME Cup will raise awareness among youth soccer players about a crisis that kills more people than all forms of violence, including war. The crisis is the lack of access to clean, safe water, and it affects nearly one billion people.
The XTREME Cup will unite over 1,000 local youth soccer players around the common goal of providing water to a village lacking that basic necessity. “One of the beautiful things about soccer is that it is truly the world’s game,” said Teddy Mitalas, Starfire Sports Tournament Director. “As players of the game these kids are part of a global community, and it’s important to show them that they can make a difference in that community through soccer without necessarily being the next great professional player.”
Starfire will provide all teams that register for the XTREME Cup the tools to get players and their family members involved in the fundraising process. Every team that holds a fundraiser to support the XTREME Cup Campaign will receive a special memento and recognition at the tournament, but the real reward will come from seeing the results of their efforts.
One hundred percent of funds raised will go directly toward building a water well for a community in need. Upon completion of the well drilling project, GPS coordinates, photographs and village information will be posted online to show XTREME Cup participants what they accomplished and provide them details about the actual people they helped.
“We are very excited to be a part of the XTREME Cup,“ said Gary Wolf, Coca-Cola Account Executive. “This event is a great way for soccer youth to have an impact on their local community while addressing a significant issue, access to water, that many face abroad.”
In addition to team fundraising, Starfire Sports is contributing $50 for each XTREME Cup team registered. And 100% of water sales during the tournament weekend will go to the cause thanks to donations from Coca-Cola Refreshments.
During the tournament, attendees can track fundraising progress and learn more about the water crisis. A running total of amounts raised will be displayed along with educational interactive exhibits, facts about the water crisis, and photos and videos from charity: water, the organization through which the well sponsorship occurs.
For registration and additional information about the XTREME Cup, visit www.starfiresports.com. You can also make a donation directly to the XTREME Cup Campaign by visiting http://mycharitywater.org/xtremecupcampaign.
About Starfire Sports
Starfire Sports is a non-profit corporation delivering opportunities for every member of our community to enjoy the ultimate soccer experience. Starfire delivers diverse programming for youth and adults, knowledgeable and professional staff, and a safe and engaging environment for social interaction and community building. In addition, financial assistance programs, equipment donations and partnerships with other local and national non-profit organizations mean that all our community’s youth have access to world-class soccer facilities—regardless of economic background.
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. 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, 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 1.6 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. Locally, the company employs nearly 2,000 employees in 10 Washington-based facilities. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com
About charity: water
charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Since the inception in August 2006, charity: water has funded more than 2,906 freshwater projects in 17 different countries, serving over 1,277,430 people. Just $20 can give one person clean, safe drinking water for 20 years. Because a group of private donors, foundations and corporate sponsors help pay for the everyday costs of running, 100% of public donations directly fund water projects.
