Coca-Cola will use its expertise and global network of financial and human resources to support the operational planning and preparations for the Beijing 2008 Olympic torch relay route, the company said after the route was made public last month.

"The Olympic Torch Relay is truly a magnificent event, and Coca-Cola is proud to be involved again for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games," said David G. Brooks, general manager of the 2008 Olympic Project Group of Coca-Cola (China) Beverages Ltd.

"The torch relay builds awareness and anticipation for the upcoming Olympic Games, and it has become a symbol of optimism that connects people across different cultures."

Coca-Cola, one of the presenting partners of the torch relay, promised to help promote the movement of the Olympic flame after the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) unveiled the route in April.

It will also join in with the celebrations by each city that is to welcome the Olympic flame. The company plans to create a special torch relay interactive zone, including areas for local citizens to join in the experience of the Olympic torch relay.

To support BOCOG's "Green Olympics" theme, a Coca-Cola Beijing 2008 "Green Team" will be formed in all provincial capital cities with the support of local environmental protection organizations. These teams will actively contribute to a clean environment for the Olympic torch relay.

Since 1992, Coca-Cola has participated in or sponsored the torch relays for seven Olympic Games. It has selected nearly 100 torchbearers from China including Olympic hurdling champion Liu Xiang and actor Jackie Chan, as well as 12,000 others from around the world.

For the Beijing Olympic torch relay, Coca-Cola has also promised to supply a special BOCOG team and each local community along the way with its beverage products.