Coca-Cola Marks 125 Years, Headquarters Become Illuminated Display; Omega Countdown Clock Tweets

Coca-Cola Marks 125 Years; Headquarters Become Bottle Display

The white sheets covering Coca-Cola's headquarters in Atlanta are no longer a mystery. Marking the beginning of the company's 125th anniversary celebrations, the TOP sponsor transformed its 29-story building into an illuminated projection screen showcasing the Coca-Cola bottle on all four sides of the building.

Coke CEO Muhtar Kent was on hand to unveil the projection screen and begin the celebrations. Coke will showcase the projection screen Thursday through Saturday in May.

Continuing the festivities, Coca-Cola will host a concert Saturday and stream it online at http://www.coca-cola.com/125.

The 125th anniversary also marks 83 years for the company as an Olympic sponsor.

On the eve of its 125th anniversary, Coca-Cola traces the past, present and future of the Olympic Movement's longest-running sponsorship.

Thierry Borra, director of Olympic Games Management for the Atlanta beverage giant, spoke with Around the Rings ahead of the May 8 celebration about Coke's plans for London 2012, Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016 as well as why he doesn't care which city wins hosting rights to 2018.

For the full interview, click here.

British Airways Launches 2012 Campaign

London 2012 sponsor British Airways has launched a media campaign in conjunction with the start of the BA Great Britons program.

The campaign is the first for the airline to advertise its partnership with London 2012. It includes print and online media and features the BA Great Britons program.

The BA Great Britons program gives people the opportunity to work with artist Tracey Emin, chef Heston Blumnethal and actor/director Richard E Grant on a London 2012 project.

"With just over a year to go until the London 2012 Games it’s a great time to start communicating some of the great opportunities we’re offering, as well as show our commitment to British sporting talent," Abigail Comber, British Airways’ head of brands, said in a press release.

"We are very passionate about helping British talent take off and this campaign allows us to celebrate both the sporting and cultural side of the London 2012 Games."

OMEGA London 2012 Clock Tweets

The OMEGA Olympic Countdown Clock in London has joined millions others on the social network, Twitter.

The clock's first tweet said, "Hello, the Omega London 2012 Clock here, getting very excited for the festivities tomorrow!"

The clock has since tweeted about the Royal Wedding of William and Kate, the weather and Taekwondo World Championships.

@omega2012clock has nearly 40 followers so far.

According to a statement, Omega said "The clock itself has agreed to be our special correspondent, filing reports on its own dedicated Twitter timeline".

Beckham Signs with Samsung

David Beckham says he's keen to be part of the Team Great Britain side at the London 2012 Olympics after signing a major sponsorship deal Wednesday to be Samsung’s global brand ambassador for London 2012.

"So far I've heard that I'm going to be managing, coaching, playing, so we'll see. I would like to be part of it in some way," the former England captain told Sky Sports.

"I'd love be a player in it, of course, but to be just part of that team would be pretty incredible because for a football team to go into the Olympics in England is a huge thing."

Beckham, who will be 37 by the time of the Olympics, is unlikely to figure as a player in theU-23 squad. FIFA rules allow for only three over-age players.

"Playing would be a bonus," said the LA Galaxy player, who was a key figure in the London 2012 bid team that won the Olympics in 2005.

He added: "To be part of the bid team that brought the Olympics to my manor, I am incredibly proud to be part of that. I have always been so proud to represent my country in many different ways especially when I have played on the field.

"It's [the Olympics] going to be an amazing occasion."

Beckham clocked up 115 appearances for England - a record for an outfield player - and was part of Fabio Capello's England coaching staff at the South Africa World Cup. He missed out on playing for England at the tournament due to an Achilles tendon injury.

Beckham, who was born Leytonstone, east London, only a single tube stop from the 2012 Olympic Park, begins his Samsung ambassador role with immediate effect. He'll be responsible for helping to raise the profile of the Korean electronics giant's sponsorship of London 2012 as a Worldwide Olympic Partner.

Beckham is set to appear in multi-platform adverts and public relations campaigns, covering various elements of Samsung's 2012 marketing program.

For more on his role with Samsung, visit World Football Insider.

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With reporting from Isia Reaves Wilcox and Mark Bisson.

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