NEW YORK, July 29, 2010 – The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and The Coca-Cola Company today announced a new multiyear marketing partnership that will support Live Positively, Coca-Cola’s effort to make a positive difference in the world.

This summer, The Coca-Cola Company will work with the WNBA to host WNBA FIT Clinics at community parks across the U.S. to engage youth through a variety of fitness skills and drills while stressing the importance of health and nutrition. The program will be part of Coca-Cola’s newly announced America Is Your Park campaign, which encourages people to get outside and play in their community parks.

The Coca-Cola Company’s partnership with the WNBA tipped off this morning with special WNBA FIT launch events at community parks in New York City and Washington, D.C. The WNBA FIT clinics will continue throughout the summer at community parks in cities across the country to encourage kids and families to be active and participate in the America Is Your Park program.

“We are extremely proud to have an elite company like The Coca-Cola Company make a significant investment in partnering with the WNBA,” said WNBA President Donna Orender. “Both organizations share a commitment to social responsibility through programs like WNBA Cares and Coca-Cola's Live Positively, and we are excited to partner on this important initiative.”

“Through our new partnership with the WNBA we’re reminding people of the importance of being active,” said Ellen Lucey, Director, Sports Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. “By including WNBA FIT Clinics in our America Is Your Park program, we’re giving families the chance to get active together and have fun by interacting with amazing role models like WNBA players.”

Marie Ferdinand-Harris (L.A. Sparks), Taj McWilliams-Franklin (New York Liberty), Helen Darling (San Antonio Silver Stars), Swin Cash (Seattle Storm), and Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever) will serve as ambassadors to the program, appearing in videos encouraging people to participate in the campaign. WNBA videos to support the America Is Your Park Campaign will be posted to LivePositively.com, the WNBA YouTube channel, and the WNBA Facebook page.

In addition to WNBA programming supporting Live Positively, The Coca-Cola Company will serve as a Gold partner of the Inspiring Women Luncheon, an annual event that includes prominent attendees from the worlds of entertainment, sports, business, and politics. The event recognizes individuals who inspire others through their commitment and dedication to work, family, and community by presenting them with the WNBA Inspiration Award.