#United States #St. Petersburg #Orlando Health #Major League Pickleball #Florida Smash

Orlando Health's New Title Partnership with Florida Smash

In a groundbreaking announcement, the Florida Smash team, part of Major League Pickleball (MLP), has officially welcomed Orlando Health as its title sponsor and official medical team. This multi-year partnership marks a significant step for both the local healthcare system and the rapidly growing sport of pickleball within the region. The collaboration emphasizes the commitment of both organizations toward promoting health and wellness in their community, particularly in a sport that encourages active lifestyles.

Alignment of Values

In discussions about the partnership, Ultima Espino, the Senior Director of Sports Partnerships at Orlando Health, expressed enthusiasm about the alignment of both entities’ values. She stated, “Pickleball represents everything we believe in when it comes to community health—it's active, inclusive, and brings people together.” This reflects the essence of pickleball, which has garnered a diverse following that spans all ages and skill levels.

The agreement integrates Orlando Health branding into multiple facets of the Florida Smash, including team uniforms, digital platforms, and court-side signage during activations. As a part of this collaboration, the health organization will also provide focused and specialized care aimed at keeping the athletes in optimal condition throughout the competitive season.

Community Impact

Trevor Burgess, the principal owner of Florida Smash, also expressed his excitement regarding the collaboration. He mentioned, “We are excited to welcome Orlando Health as our title sponsor. Their leadership in community health and wellness aligns perfectly with the core values of pickleball, focusing on active lifestyles, accessibility, and family-friendly fun.” This partnership not only supports the athletes who compete but strengthens the connection between the team and its fans, suggesting that the team's community engagement initiatives will be further enhanced by this collaboration.

Major League Pickleball Overview

Major League Pickleball, founded in 2021, has rapidly established itself as the leading professional league for coed, team-based pickleball, featuring over 100 elite athletes spread across 22 teams. The dynamic league offers thrilling live events and unparalleled experiences for fans. In 2024, MLP expanded even further by merging with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) under the United Pickleball Association, thereby enhancing the sport's growth.

About the Florida Smash

Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Florida Smash competes at the Challenger level within this elite league. The team is dedicated to delivering top-tier pickleball action while also engaging with the community to promote the sport and its benefits. With its recent partnership with Orlando Health, Florida Smash looks set to take its performance and community engagement to new heights, ensuring that the sport not only entertains fans but also contributes substantially to public health and community connection.

Orlando Health's Mission

As a not-for-profit healthcare organization headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Orlando Health is recognized for its commitment to high-quality patient care, innovative research, and extensive community wellness initiatives. This partnership with Florida Smash reinforces its mission to improve community health through active engagement in sports, showcasing the synergies between athletic performance and health management.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Orlando Health and Florida Smash stands as a testament to the growing importance of health partnerships in sports. With a shared goal of promoting health and wellness, both organizations are poised to inspire positive changes in the community and elevate the profile of pickleball as a premier competitive sport.