Pepsi-Cola Canada is the first company to become an official supplier of the February 1995 Canada Games in Grande Prairie, Alta.

Michelle Aubin, a marketing assistant with the Games Host Society in Grande Prairie, says Games organizers are in negotiation with 13 other companies.

To become an official supplier, companies must donate a minimum of $125,000 and a minimum $125,000 gift-in-kind.

Pepsi-Cola Canada and Gray Beverage of Grande Prairie will use the Canada Games to promote 7 UP and other Pepsi products.

Much of the financial support supplied by Pepsi and Gray Beverage will come from a per bottle donation based on sales of 7 UP, which is the official soft drink of the 1995 Games.

For each two-litre bottle of 7 UP sold between Nov. 1, 1992 and March 1, 1995 the companies will contribute 25 cents to a maximum of 360,000 bottles. For each additional bottle they will contribute 12.5 cents.

Additionally, as an official supplier and synchronized swimming sponsor, Pepsi and Gray Beverage will provide financing for signage at the Crystal Gardens location, promotional material and labor, fundraising support and product for the Games.

Grande Prairie, a city of 27,000 in northwest Alberta, boasts at least one native son who made his mark as an athlete: former silver Olympic medallist boxer turned pro heavyweight Willie de Wit.