Homepage Coca-Cola newsroom

Trail blazing Australian teen lights a path to Rio 2016

Announcement posted by Coca-Cola 12 Jun 2016

Tasmanian teen’s community contribution earns him a place in the Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Relay
Trail blazing Australian teen lights a path to Rio 2016
 
Tasmanian teen’s community contribution earns him a place in
the Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Relay
 
HOBART – 12 June 2016 - A Tasmanian teenager has been selected for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent his country by running in the Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Relay in Saõ Paulo, Brazil. 16-year-old Geoff Papi-Watson of Glenorchy, Hobart, who finds inspiration in helping others, was selected based on his outstanding community contribution through his extensive volunteer work with the Glenorchy Youth Task Force whose mission is to make a difference to young people in the local area.
 
The inspirational teenager has been recognised and hand picked for his great involvement in the Coca-Cola Happiness Cycle, as well as other local community initiatives through the Glenorchy Youth Task Force such as RUOK? Day, Mental Health Week, Bike Kitchens and Gig in the Gardens.  
 
The Coca-Cola Happiness Cycle - a national program that has seen 10,000 Australian teens receive a brand new bike since its launch in December 2013 - chose Geoff for this unique experience, which will see him travel to Saõ Paulo to run a 200m leg of the Olympic Torch Relay on 23 July, two weeks before the commencement of the Games.
 
Coca-Cola Happiness Cycle ambassador and Olympian Sam Willoughby, said when the opportunity came up to nominate a candidate to carry the Olympic torch, there was no doubt that Geoff was the deserving teen for the job.
 
“We first met Geoff two years ago at the first Hobart Coca-Cola Happiness Cycle event where his passion, enthusiasm and leadership skills really stood out. Since then, Geoff has not only returned as a program volunteer, he continues to encourage locals in his community to keep riding. It was this commitment, along with Geoff’s extensive community volunteer work, that earned him a place in the Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Relay,” said Willoughby.
 
To be selected by Coca-Cola South Pacific as an Olympic Torchbearer came as a huge surprise to Geoff, who hasn’t previously travelled overseas.
 
“To be chosen as a torchbearer by Coca-Cola South Pacific was really exciting. I’m thrilled to be given the chance to go to Rio and carry the torch. My sister introduced me to the Coca-Cola Happiness Cycle two years ago; I enjoyed being a volunteer for the Coca-Cola Happiness Cycle so much, I had to do it again. It's great to be recognised for something I love to do, giving back to the community, which I think is really important,” said Geoff.
 
Glenorchy City Council Mayor, alderman Kristie Johnston commented, “Glenorchy City Council is extremely proud of the contribution that young people make in our community through the Glenorchy Youth Taskforce. The Taskforce is the longest continuous running council supported youth group in the nation and its members assist with delivering great programs such as the Happiness Cycle. Geoff is a fantastic ambassador for Glenorchy young people as he models a commitment to his community through volunteering with many organisations and stepping up to be a voice for younger people.”
 
Roberto Mercadé, Coca-Cola South Pacific President said Coca-Cola’s partnership with the Olympic Torch Relay has spanned many years.
 
“We are proud to be sponsoring Geoff’s Olympic journey in recognition of his positive contribution and support for his local community. Coca-Cola chooses its torchbearers in-line with the Olympics’ fundamental values of inspiring positive change, hence why we have chosen Geoff as our Rio 2016 Olympic torch bearer,” said Mr Mercadé.
 
Geoff has been selected by Coca-Cola South Pacific to join 2,400 other Coca-Cola torchbearers around the world, as part of the Company’s sponsorship of the Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Relay.
 
Coca-Cola first partnered with the International Olympic Torchbearers program in 1992.
 
For more information on The Happiness Cycle, visit: www.thehappinesscycle.com.au
 
- ENDS -
 
Media enquires:
Josephine George, DEC PR
Telephone: (02) 8014 5035
coca-cola@decpr.com.au
 
About the Coca-Cola Happiness Cycle
The Happiness Cycle is a youth engagement program of Coca-Cola South Pacific. Each year, the program travels around Australia visiting communities in each state. To date, it has donated almost 10,000 bikes to teenagers across the country. In 2016, the Coca-Cola Happiness Cycle program is preparing to improve the lives of thousands more teens across Australia, offering them the opportunity to own a brand new bike. The Coca-Cola Happiness Cycle has been held in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia with the cooperation and participation of Beacon Foundation member schools.
 
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands.  Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our Company's portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands including, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, Powerade and many more.  Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks.  Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.9 billion servings a day.  With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate.  For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colajourney.com.au. Coca-Cola Amatil (Aust) Pty Ltd is the authorised manufacturer and distributor of The Coca‑Cola Company’s beverage brands in Australia.  Coca-Cola South Pacific Pty Ltd, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, provides marketing and technical/quality services to The Coca-Cola Company in Australia.