Get Up, Get Moving Canada: The Olympic Winter Games Are Here

• 2014 Coca-Cola Canada Athletes offer tips that inspire Canadians to get active
• Coca-Cola Canada is proud to sponsor figure skater Patrick Chan, hockey player Steven Stamkos and short track speed skater Marianne St-Gelais

TORONTO, Feb. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - For busy families, making the time to be physically active can seem like an extra 'to do' on a never-ending list of obligations. But did you know that active play can create some of the most memorable quality time a family has together? With the 2014 Olympic Winter Games about to begin, real-life athletes from around the world will soon inspire adults, kids and teens alike to get up and get moving.

But who inspired these athletes to get active? Were they born this way? Surprisingly, no. All of the 2014 Coca-Cola Canada Athletes credit their families with instilling a passion for active living in them. This is something we can all share.

"At a young age I was very involved in a number of sports and I truly believe that being active at such a young age has allowed me to achieve the success and discipline needed to compete and perform at a high level," says World Champion figure skater, Patrick Chan. Four-time Olympic medalist, short track speed skater, Marianne St-Gelais concurs: "I'd encourage everyone to spend as much quality active time with their families as they can. In my experience, it only brings a family closer together."

For professional hockey player Steven Stamkos, he appreciates the other benefits that being active gave him.  "I can't thank my parents enough for getting me involved in sports at such a young age," he says.  "For me, after being in school all day, it was something I looked forward to; having fun with my friends and trying new things, which I think in the end has made me a better hockey player."

2014 Coca-Cola Canada Athlete Active Living Tips

1. Keep it simple.
   Don't make getting active a big deal - just make it a habit (and have fun with it!). The more active you are, the more you will want to be active.
   
   
2. Do something - anything - every day.
   Hit the gym? Great, but even playing in the snow or going for a walk with friends counts, too.
   
   
3. Indoor organized activities mean year-round fun!
   Don't let the cold weather slow you down. Find out about local (and often inexpensive) community activities and get involved. Everyone can benefit from - and enjoy - organized play.
   
   
4. Find outdoor cold-weather activities that warm your heart.
   Skating is a great example of an outdoor activity and one that is often well-lit in the evening. Skating rinks are a great place to socialize (or even have a date!).  Alternatively, bundle up and enjoy a walk in the crisp winter weather.
   
   
5. Make active living choices together.
   Let everyone in your family or group of friends take turns picking an activity - and get creative!

"Being active together was always a big part of our family when Steven was young," says Lesley Stamkos, Steven's mother.  "It is so easy to get wrapped up in everyday hectic schedules of work and school and other distractions.  It was important for us to make sure that we were also taking care of ourselves and making the time to be active."

"The 2014 Olympic Winter Games get us all thinking about the amazing things we can do if we set our minds and bodies to it," says Nicola Kettlitz, President, Coca-Cola Ltd. "Getting active can be about so much more than just exercise. It's the perfect opportunity for busy families and friends to spend quality time together."

For weight management, it's important to keep in mind that all calories count, no matter what food or beverage they come from.

You can show all of Canada what our Canadian Olympic athletes have inspired you to do on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #inspiredto. Visit coca-cola.ca/olympics during the Games to see your message of support on an interactive map of Canada.

About the Athletes

Patrick Chan, Figure Skating (Ottawa, Ontario):

• Patrick Chan is the three-time reigning World champion (2011, 2012, 2013), seven-time reigning national champion (2008-2014) and two-time Grand Prix Final champion (2010, 2011).

Steven Stamkos, Hockey (Markham, Ontario):

• Steven Stamkos is a Canadian professional hockey player, selected first overall in the 2008 draft.  As a professional he has won many awards, including the league scoring title twice.

Marianne St-Gelais, Short Track Speed Skating (St-Félicien, Quebec):

• Marianne St-Gelais won two silver medals at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games in the 500m and 3,000m relay. She has also won five World Championship medals in her sport, and was named Speed Skating Canada's Female Short Track Skater of the Year in 2010 and 2011.

About Coca-Cola Canada
Coca-Cola in Canada operates in all ten provinces, and employs 6,300 people in more than 50 facilities, including seven production facilities across Canada. We offer a wide variety of beverage brands, many of which come in no-calorie and low-calorie options. These beverages include sparkling soft drinks, still waters, juices and fruit beverages, sports drinks, energy drinks and ready-to-drink teas. We're proud to offer some of the most popular brands in Canada including Coca-Cola®, Diet Coke®, Coca-Cola Zero®, Sprite®, Fanta®, Nestea®, PowerAde®, Minute Maid®, Dasani® and vitaminwater®. Coca-Cola in Canada is represented by Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada and Coca-Cola Ltd. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.livepositively.ca or www.cocacola.ca and follow us on Twitter @cocacolaco_ca.

Video with caption: "Video: Marianne St-Gelais Backstory". Video available at: http://youtu.be/hd9-bmHQ6zI

Video with caption: "Video: Patrick Chan Backstory". Video available at: http://youtu.be/9h9x_-G45PY

SOURCE: Coca-Cola Canada