posted 10-04-2004 11:15 PM               

"At 7 UP, we want to make space travel a reality for everyone, not just for millionaires," said Randy Gier, EVP/CMO, Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages. "7 UP applauds the success of the X PRIZE and the notion that the only way to go is UP when it comes to the future of space travel. We are very proud and excited to be the very first to help bring free space travel into the reach of everyone."

Jump-starting the space tourism industry through competition among the most talented entrepreneurs and rocket experts in the world, the ANSARI X PRIZE is following in the footsteps of over 100 aviation prizes offered between 1905 and 1935 that created today's multibillion-dollar air transportation industry. The ANSARI X PRIZE will be awarded to the team which designs the first private spaceship that successfully launches three humans to a sub-orbital altitude of 100 km on two consecutive flights within two weeks. All teams must be privately financed and with 26 teams competing and a $10 million prize pool at stake, Monday's flight marks one giant step towards a new day of aviation as we know it.

"The best way to predict the future is to create it yourself," said Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, Chairman and Founder of the X PRIZE Foundation. "My mission and that of the X PRIZE Foundation has been to create a future in which all of us can travel into space. Our goal is to create the personal spaceflight revolution in partnership with innovative companies like 7 UP. Together we are making space travel accessible to the average citizen."

"7 UP was introduced over 75 years ago in the dawn of aviation when Charles Lindbergh and the spirit of St. Louis changed aviation history," said Steven Jarmon, VP of Marketing Resources, Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages. "7 UP has a long history of firsts starting with the first lemon lime soft drink which began the uncola revolution. We are so thrilled to be offering another first with the first free ticket into space."

The 7 UP and X PRIZE relationship was designed and packaged by EMCI, New York, NY, who exclusively represents X PRIZE for corporate sponsorship. "This is a very unique way to capture the public's imagination and help 7UP offer consumers an absolutely extraordinary experience," said Jay Coleman, President of EMCI.