Australia's biggest tennis tournament now the Medibank International
Medibank Private, Australia's leading health fund, has taken the naming rights sponsorship of Australia's biggest combined ATP/WTA tennis tournament.
Conducted from the 9-15 January 2005 formerly known as the Sydney International is now the Medibank International.
Tournament Director of the Medibank International, Craig Watson, said "having a partner who is committed to improving the health and well-being of all Australians is a very proud moment in our tournament's history".
Medibank Private Managing Director, George Savvides said that improving awareness of health and wellbeing issues and supporting events that encourage the Australian community to be active is a major commitment for Medibank Private.
"As Australia's largest health fund, with close to three million members, Medibank Private is honoured to be closely aligned with an event that epitomises our belief in living life to the full and that unites the sporting talent and determination of so many elite athletes," Mr Savvides said.
Research commissioned by Medibank Private earlier this year indicated that although Australians are aware that physical activity is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle, several felt that juggling work, play, family and friends left little time to be as active as often as they would like or should be.
"Engaging in regular physical activity is an important lifestyle decision that we hope all Australians are embracing. We encourage all of our members, our staff and the broader community to get the most out of life by keeping fit and healthy," Mr Savvides said.
Mr Geoff Pollard, President of Tennis Australia and the Medibank International Management Committee Chairman welcomed Medibank's involvement saying "Tennis is a wonderful sport providing millions of Australians with a family based activity, it is one of the most participated sports in Australia. We are pleased that Medibank Private has teamed with us to spread the message of health, wellbeing and the importance of being active throughout Australia".
The Medibank International takes place at Sydney International Tennis Centre - Sydney Olympic Park and will feature Lleyton Hewitt, Mark Philippoussis and Carlos Moya as well as world number 1 Lindsay Davenport, Justine Henin-Hardenne and Jennifer Capriati.
The Medibank International is one of Sydney's biggest annual sporting events and receives 40 hours of national television coverage on Network 7.
9-15 January 2005.
Tickets available through Ticketek 02 9266 4800 or www.ticketek.com
