CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwire) -- 11/14/12 -- This week, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined Steve Cahillane, President and CEO of Coca-Cola Refreshments, at Fosco Park to announce a $3 million grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation to the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. This grant will create the Park Families Wellness Initiative that provides wellness services to Chicago communities and allow the Chicago Park District to hire U.S. veterans as part of the "Troops for Fitness" program.

Watch the video to view highlights from the announcement and to see the first "Troops for Fitness" class in session.

The Park Families Wellness Initiative will be run by the Chicago Park District and will feature affordable nutrition education and active lifestyle programs for Chicago communities most in need of wellness services. The Park District will also tap returning service veterans to teach military-style fitness classes through the "Troops for Fitness" program. Over the next four years, military vets will teach sessions on calisthenics, sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups and other fitness and nutritional techniques that will reach a total of 125,000 Chicagoans.

The Coca-Cola Foundation is committed to building sustainable communities by encouraging individuals, families and communities to live active, healthy lifestyles. Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, working with the Chicago Park District, is among many grantees from around the country that are amplifying their active living and nutrition education programs as a result of local grants from The Coca-Cola Foundation.

For more on the Park Families Wellness Initiative and "Troops for Fitness," visit www.coca-colacompany.com.

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