Medibank’s ahm health insurance has officially partnered with the National Pickleball League Australia (NPL), marking its support for a sport that has been gaining popularity both internationally and within Australia.
Pickleball combines elements of tennis and badminton and is known for its simple rules, compact court size, and large ball.
ahm said the sport’s accessibility makes it appealing to a broad range of age groups and fitness levels, contributing to its increasing popularity.
ahm senior executive Sally Haydon said the partnership aligns with the company’s focus on promoting healthy lifestyles.
“We are excited to announce our sponsorship. The NPL is doing amazing things for the growth of pickleball in Australia. It’s thriving in the US, and we’re proud to be part of its growth in Australia,” she said. “At ahm, we encourage good health and wellbeing habits, and this is a great opportunity to give our members a fun and social way of staying fit and healthy. We believe this sport was built for our members, and this is the first step in bringing them on the pickleball journey.
“Pickleball’s surge in global popularity comes as no surprise. Its simplicity, enjoyment, and social nature make it a game everyone can enjoy, no matter their skill level. This is why ahm is proud to sponsor the league.”
See LinkedIn post here.
Ron Shell, CEO of the National Pickleball League in Australia, spoke positively about the partnership with ahm.
“The partnership with ahm health insurance was a no brainer for us,” he said. “We really want to encourage Australians to get on board and become picklers – it’s a sport that everyone can get into no matter their ability. Most importantly, it’s a great way to get your friends and family together for a friendly (or not so friendly) game.”
See LinkedIn post here.
The partnership aims to bring additional benefits to ahm members, with both organisations planning to collaborate on future projects.
According to the NPL, pickleball has been rapidly expanding in the US, with a reported 52% increase in participants in 2023, reaching 13.6 million new players. The organisation expects a similar growth trajectory in Australia, forecasting that over a million Australians will take up the sport in the next three years.
Aside from teaming up with NPL, ahm recently confirmed that it will provide approximately $55 million in cash rebates to eligible policyholders in October 2024 in response to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative is in addition to the previously announced extras limits rollover, valued at up to $15 million.
