Sprite Spark Parks Project Launched

COLLEGE PARK, Ga.—Local residents can help a well-worn neighborhood basketball court in College Park transform into a refreshed play space where teens can express all their uncontainable moves.

This spring, through the Sprite Spark Parks Project, Sprite and the NRPA are giving people an opportunity to get their local courts back in the game. Burdett Park has been selected as one of 25 courts nationwide to be refreshed through the program, and local residents can show their support and raise critical funds by voting at www.SpriteSparkParks.com.

With the help of the NRPA, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people, Sprite identified Burdett Park as one of 25 parks to receive a grant designated to revamp basketball courts. Each of the selected courts, which are located in public parks throughout the nation, will receive funding based on the number of votes they earn through May 31.

Visitors can vote for Burdette Park by submitting the My Coke Rewards codes found on Sprite and Sprite Zero Fridge Pack™, 20-pack, 24-pack, 20 oz. and 2-liter products. Sprite will donate $275,000 to be distributed among the 25 parks in grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The funds will be used to refurbish rims, backboards, lights, benches and playing surfaces – sparking new life to these courts.

“The mission of the Sprite Spark Parks Project is to refresh neighborhood basketball courts so teens can be uncontainable, and this year, we’re getting 25 courts back in the game by funding grants,” said Michael Matthews, vice president, non-colas sparkling, Coca-Cola North America. “We’re excited to give people an opportunity to earn grants for their local park and recreation agency to restore the courts where they love to play.”

“Parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities across the country are the best places for kids and teens to go to be physically active, improve their health and wellness and have fun,” said Barbara Tulipane president and CEO of NRPA. “We are proud to work with Sprite on this restorative effort because we must preserve and maintain these public spaces to ensure that all can take advantage of the healthy benefits they have to offer for years to come.”

While voting for their favorite Spark Park court, people also can help support and preserve public parks and recreational facilities for future generations by donating to the NRPA’s efforts at americasbackyard.org.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Fulton County’s Burdett Park. Through the years our basketball program at Burdette has always been awesome and has produced championship teams year after year. Winning this grant would allow us to upgrade the gymnasium for our community for years to come,” said Tony Phillips the Assistant Director of Fulton County’s Planning and Community Services Department.

The Burdett Gym was built in 1976 and through the years it has been the home of several state youth basketball championship teams. The park is located at 2945 Burdett Road College Park, Georgia 30349. The park has athletic fields, a gymnasium, picnic shelter and a playground. The indoor basketball court and locker rooms are one of the park’s most utilized amenities.

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. The Company’s portfolio includes 15 billion dollar brands, including Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, as well as Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitamin water, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of 1.7 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 20,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org.


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Silverbacks Concede Late Goal, Settle For Draw

Atlanta, Ga.—The Atlanta Silverbacks and the defending NASL champions, Minnesota Stars FC, played to a 3-3 draw Saturday night in front of a crowd of 4,176 at Atlanta Silverbacks Park.

After an even start to the opening half, the Silverbacks (0-4-0) started putting pressure on the visiting defense, and it was the team’s leading goal scorer Reinaldo Navia who created the game’s first major scoring chance in the 15th minute.

The Chilean forward fired a half-volley from 18 yards out that Stars goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel could only tip over the crossbar. On the ensuing corner kick, the Silverbacks nearly broke the deadlock, but defender Rilla’s close-range header sailed just over the crossbar.

After another quality opportunity from midfielder Lucas Paulini, the Silverbacks tested Van Oekel again in the 29th minute. Midfielder Ciaran O’Brien struck a free kick from just outside the box that forced Van Oekel to tip it over to safety.

The Silverbacks hard work in the attack would pay off just after halftime, with Navia notching his league-leading fourth goal of the season in the 48th minute. Midfielder Danilo Turcios slotted a pass through the Stars defense and Navia calmly lobbed a shot into the far corner of the net.

It was Navia’s turn once again in the 64th minute when he tapped in the rebound to his own shot to make the score 2-0. Turcios provided the initial feed to Navia, but it was only after a Van Oekel save that he converted his second goal of the game and fifth of the season.

The Stars (1-3-0) fought back, though, and it was forward Amani Walker that provided the visitors with a quick answer in the 66th minute. Walker, alone in the penalty area after a defensive clearance, headed home a cross from midfielder Miguel Ibarra to make it 2-1, cutting the Silverbacks lead in half.

Shortly after being substituted into the game, Silverbacks forward David Santamaria finished off a beautiful passing sequence, giving the home team a 3-1 lead in the 79th minute. Turcios was again the provider, recording his second assist of the game.

The game turned in the visitors’ favor in the 88th minute when forward Devin Del Do finished off a pass from Walker, making the score 3-2. The Silverbacks still appeared to be on their way to their first victory of the season, but a long-range strike in stoppage time from defender Justin Davis silenced the crowd and earned the Stars a share of the points.

The Silverbacks and Stars meet again next Saturday at the NSC Stadium in Blaine, Minn. Following next weekend’s matchup, the Silverbacks return home to host FC Edmonton on Saturday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Atlanta Silverbacks Park.

Atlanta Silverbacks Starting XI: Daniel Illyes—GK, Patrick Robertson—D, Martyn Lancaster—D (Captain), Rilla—D, Raphael Cox—D, Tony McManus—M, Lucas Paulini—M, Ciaran O'Brien - M, Borfor Carr - M, Danilo Turcios—M, Reinaldo Navia—F

Minnesota Stars FC Starting XI: Matt Van Oekel—GK, Justin Davis—D, Cristiano Dias—D, Kevin Friedland—D, Brian Kallman—D (Captain), Neil Hlavaty—M, Kentaro Takada—M, Shawn Chin—M, Miguel Ibarra—M, Devin Del Do—M, Amani Walker—F

Stats: Shots (ATL 13. MIN 14), Fouls (ATL 10. MIN 7), Saves (ATL 4. MIN 6), Corners (ATL 5. MIN 1)


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