Medibank Private, Australia's only national health insurance fund, is backing the Australian Ice Hockey team in their drive for gold at the 2008 World Ice Hockey Championships.
Announcing an extension to its sponsorship of four years, Medibank Private will support Australia's Senior Men's team as they take on China, Spain, Iceland, Mexico and New Zealand at the Championships, to be held in Newcastle event in April.
The sponsorship forms part of Medibank Private's commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle through participation in physical activity, according to Medibank Private Managing Director George Savvides.
"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, and events like the World Ice Hockey Championships serve to encourage an interest in the sport with young people, and to help develop the sport in Australia generally", Mr Savvides said.
Ice Hockey Australia will host the Championships and is delighted to have Medibank Private alongside for the first-class event said Ice Hockey Australia Marketing Director, Rick Williams.
"We are proud to be associated with Medibank Private. We look forward to showcasing our team and our partnerships on and off the ice.
"I feel better now, as does the rest of the team, with this great company behind our drive for gold," Mr Williams said.
The World Ice Hockey Championships be held at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium, Newcastle, on the 7-13 April, 2008.
ENDS