Feb. 10, 2006

Cleveland, Ohio - The Coca-Cola Company and NACDA have expanded the annual Coca-Cola Community All-American Awards Program (CCCAA) to include a special recognition of student-athletes at seven colleges and universities in New Orleans, the site of NACDA's 2006 Convention.

The Coca-Cola Community All-Americans program recognizes, celebrates and applauds student-athletes who are making a difference in their communities. Each year, one winner is selected in each of the following categories - NCAA Division I-A, Division I-AA, Division I-AAA, Division II, Division III, NAIA and Junior/Community College. The awards to be presented to student-athletes at the New Orleans institutions are in addition to CCCAA's annual program.

The Coca-Cola Community All-Americans will receive their awards during the James J. Corbett Awards Luncheon at NACDA's 41st Annual Convention at the New Orleans Marriott and Sheraton New Orleans. Additionally, Coca-Cola will make a $5,000 donation to each institution's athletics department, in the name of the winning student-athletes. One student-athlete from the following institutions will be recognized on behalf of the entire athletics department - Delgado College (Junior/Community College), Dillard University (NAIA), Loyola University (NAIA), University of New Orleans (Division I-AAA), Southern University (NAIA), Tulane University (Division I-A) and Xavier University (NAIA).

"NACDA wants to be part of New Orleans' recovery process," says NACDA President Tim Curley, athletics director at Penn State University. "By holding our annual Convention in New Orleans, we will provide a large economic boost to the city. Now, with the contribution of Coca-Cola and the expansion of the Coca-Cola Community All-Americans program, we are able to provide direct assistance to the affected colleges and universities in New Orleans."

"We are delighted NACDA and Coca-Cola will have a special recognition for the New Orleans' student-athletes," said Wright Waters, commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference and chair of the Local Organizing Committee for the NACDA Convention. "The financial contribution will provide a much needed boost to these seven colleges and universities."

Since Coca-Cola and NACDA teamed up to launch the Coca-Cola Community All-Americans program, numerous student-athletes and institutions across the country have been recognized for their hands-on volunteerism and community service.

"The Coca-Cola Company is proud to be a part of this special recognition of the Coca-Cola Community All-Americans program," said Kim Utlaut, regional asset manager of The Coca-Cola Company. "This program recognizes and celebrates volunteerism and community service. The winning student-athletes will have played a vital role in the recovery of the city of New Orleans. We are pleased to assist the city and its local colleges and universities with this process."

The Coca-Cola Company has long supported and developed initiatives that give young people the motivation and tools they need to succeed. The Coca-Cola Community All-Americans program is a way to recognize and celebrate the student-athletes whose service embodies the American spirit of generosity and volunteerism. Click here to learn more about the Coca-Cola Community All-Americans program.