ZICO Pure Premium Coconut Water Announces a Partnership With the Challenged Athletes Foundation

HERMOSA BEACH, Calif., May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ZICO Pure Premium Coconut Water is continuing its tradition of supporting athletes through a new charitable partnership with the esteemed Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), an organization dedicated to providing opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics.

ZICO Pure Premium Coconut Water is a favorite of athletes worldwide for hydration and replenishment because it is all-natural, contains five essential electrolytes, more potassium than a banana, low acidity and zero fat, zero added sugar and zero cholesterol.

"We are very excited to embark on this partnership with the Challenged Athletes Foundation and are proud to aid them in their mission of creating athletic opportunities for people with physical disabilities and ultimately increasing their emotional and physical health," said Bill Lange, VP of Marketing for ZICO Beverages LLC.  "With this partnership, we aim to integrate ZICO's 'Naturally Powered' philosophy with CAF's inspiring athletes and programs to bring greater awareness to the organization and its cause."

"ZICO Pure Premium Coconut Water shares the same ideals and values regarding the importance of exercise in people's lives, and we are thrilled that this partnership will grant more people with physical disabilities the chance to pursue active lifestyles," said Virginia Tinley, Executive Director, Challenged Athletes Foundation.  

To drive fundraising and consumer awareness for CAF, this week ZICO launched a joint Facebook promotion utilizing ZICO's spokesperson, Kevin Garnett (Boston Celtics) to encourage consumers to live a Naturally Powered lifestyle.  For every consumer that "likes" ZICO on Facebook and completes the Naturally Powered pledge at www.facebook.com/zico, ZICO will make a donation to CAF.

As part of this alignment, ZICO Pure Premium Water will be CAF's exclusive partner in the coconut water category, providing hydration support at CAF events and to CAF athletes throughout the year.  ZICO will also have the opportunity to work with CAF athletes for grassroots events, where CAF will be integrated onsite in co-branded signage and collateral.  The partnership will be promoted through both the ZICO and CAF websites as well as social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs.  For more information visit www.zico.com.

About ZICO Beverages, LLC.

Founded in 2004 by Mark Rampolla, ZICO Beverages, LLC. (pronounced Zee-co) is the maker of ZICO Pure Premium Coconut Water. With five essential electrolytes, more potassium than a banana and, low acidity, zero fat, zero added sugar, and zero cholesterol, ZICO is the all natural, refreshing way to hydrate and replenish. And now that ZICO is the only major brand of pure premium coconut water available in a re-sealable, recyclable, on-the-go bottle, it truly is the ultimate hydration drink.  ZICO is headquartered in Hermosa Beach, Calif. For more information, visit http://www.zico.com.

About the Challenged Athletes Foundation

The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is a world leader in helping individuals with physical challenges get involved – and stay involved – in sports.  CAF believes that participation in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.  Since 1994, more than $30 million has been raised and almost 5,000 funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and dozens of countries have been satisfied. Additionally, CAF's outreach efforts reach another 65,000 individuals each year. Whether it's a $2,500 grant for a handcycle, helping underwrite a carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance, or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar challenge, CAF's mission is clear:  give those with the desire to live active, athletic lifestyles every opportunity to compete in the sports they love.  To learn more, log on to www.challengedathletes.org or call 858-866-0959.

SOURCE ZICO Beverages, LLC.