The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, announced a contest to award 10 inspirational teens who are making a positive difference in their communities with the chance to carry the Olympic Flame next July during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

The company will select 10 teenagers who inspire others through their dedication to living positively and affect meaningful change to participate in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. The selected torchbearers will have the opportunity to carry the Olympic Flame in and around Oxford, England, July 9-11, 2012, as the torch makes its way to London for the opening ceremony July 27.

“To represent the U.S. on the world’s stage as a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer is an honor shared by local dignitaries, Olympic athletes, celebrities and everyday people whose extraordinary efforts are changing the world,” said Celeste Bottorff, vice president of Living Well for Coca-Cola North America, in a statement. “Coca-Cola is thrilled to shine the spotlight on our country’s most exceptional teens as they carry the London 2012 Olympic Flame. We hope the teens’ achievements and commitment to living positively will inspire others to make a difference in their communities, too.”

The company is looking for teens who reflect its Live Positively values to carry the Olympic Flame. Nominees must be legal residents of the United States between the ages of 13 and 18 and are being accepted through Aug. 15 at www.livepositively.com. The company requests essays of 150 words or less as to why the teen is a champion of living positively.

The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will begin May 19, 2012, and travel throughout the United Kingdom for 70 days, concluding at the opening ceremony in London.