It is part of a deal which will see them also sponsor the Torch Relay for the 2008 Beijing Olympics through to the 2020 Games.

 

Atlanta-based Coca-Cola isthe longest corporate sponsor of the Olympics, dating back to 1928.

 

Coca-Cola also presented the Atlanta 1996, Nagano 1998, Salt Lake 2002, Athens 2004 and Turin 2006 Olympic Torch Relays.

 

Starting March 2008, the Olympic Flame will go through at least 19 cities across the world, including London.

 

Following its round-the-world tour, the Olympic Torch Relay will travel throughout mainland China before arriving in Beijing.

 

Coca-Cola, which first became a presenting sponsor of the Olympic Torch Relay for the Atlanta 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, will co-present the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay with Samsung and Lenovo.

 

All three companies are worldwide partners of the International Olympic Committee and sponsors of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

 

Coca-Cola will integrate its global advertising campaign "Coke Side of Life" in all marketing communications for the Olympic Games through the theme of "Live Olympic on the Coke Side of Life."