Australia's largest health fund, Medibank Private, was today announced as the Major Sponsor of junior tennis in NSW in a partnership that will enable Tennis NSW to increase its investment in the growth, development and promotion of the Sport in NSW.
Medibank Private Deputy Chief Operating Officer Bruce Levy and Craig Watson, Chief Executive of Tennis NSW, jointly announced the partnership at the start of the NSW Age Championships in Parramatta, the largest and most prestigious tournament for juniors in the state.
Medibank Private's investment in junior tennis in NSW extends to over 120 tournaments annually and aims to enhance a participant's experience in the Sport, ultimately leading to more children taking to the court.
According to Mr Levy support for NSW Junior tennis is a key part of Medibank Private's commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle through participation in physical activity.
"There are over 9 million physically inactive adult Australians, and Medibank Private's recent study into the costs of physical inactivity found that this is costing our healthcare system a massive $1.5 billion per year. One way to reduce this impact is to foster active lifestyles amongst the next generation," he said.
"We see Junior Tennis as a great fun way for boys and girls to enjoy a physically active lifestyle and set themselves on track for a long and healthy life.
"Medibank Private has enjoyed a successful doubles partnership with Tennis NSW & Tennis Australia for the past 4 years as the sponsor of the Medibank International. Our relationship with Junior Tennis NSW is a healthy extension of Medibank's commitment to this great Australian sport," Mr Levy said.
Commenting on the partnership, Mr Watson, Chief Executive of Tennis NSW, said that Medibank Private's support of junior tennis was the most significant grass roots sponsorship in the Organisation's history.
"Tennis NSW is thrilled to be associated with an Organisation such as Medibank Private, which is committed to the long term health and well being of children across the state," Mr Watson said.
The sponsorship includes naming rights of NSW's largest and most celebrated junior tournaments including the NSW Age Championships and State Teams Championships. The sponsorship also includes the naming rights of the Junior Development Series (JDS) and Tennis NSW Super Series, both of which have a strong alignment to country tennis in the state.
Another key component of the partnership is the Medibank Junior Tennis NSW Club Grant. The annual grant, comprising of seven grants of $2500 for clubs conducting Junior Tennis Events will assist Affiliated Clubs throughout NSW to conduct tournaments that better meet the needs and expectations of junior players.
The sponsorship also includes the introduction of the Medibank Challenge, which provides an opportunity for some of the best young players from the City and the Country to play at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre on Women's Finals Day at the Medibank International in January 2008.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
James Connors
Tel: 03 8622 5163 | Mob: 0433 992 677 | email: james_connors@medibank.com.au