NPL announces Make-A-Wish Australia as Official Charity Partner

MEDIA RELEASE

17th December 2024, Melbourne: The National Pickleball League (NPL) has today announced Make-A-Wish Australia as the Official Charity Partner of NPL for 2025. This partnership aims to support Make-A-Wish’s mission of granting life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses, a purpose that has brought hope and joy to Australian families since 1985.

NPL is creating the fastest growing Pickleball community in Australia and is committed to building pathways from juniors through to professionals. NPL hosts school programs at its owned venues and externally at education facilities around the country, providing access to Pickleball for younger generations.

Collaborating with one of Australia’s most trusted charities – NPL and its community will look to contribute to Make-A-Wish through major event support, fundraising initiatives, corporate event integration, providing facilities for wish-granting & joint content initiatives.

NPL will join forces with Make-A-Wish across key campaigns in 2025, such as World Wish Day (April) and Hallowish (October). NPL will also look to raise funds for its official charity through tournaments & events, with funds raised supporting wish granting for children all over Australia and creating more joy through the world’s most social and fastest-growing sport.

“When looking to build the best sporting community in Australia, we want to ensure we are inclusive. Make-A-Wish is one of Australia’s most well-known and long-standing charities, aligning with our vision to introduce Pickleball to young Australians, regardless of their circumstances. We look forward to doing our bit to give back to the community” – Ron Shell, NPL CEO.

Sally Bateman, CEO of Make-A-Wish Australia, said, “It is wonderful to have the support of the National Pickleball League. Right now, Make-A-Wish is supporting over 900 children on their wish journey. This important partnership will help us bring much needed hope to sick kids and their families at a time when they need it most.”

About National Pickleball League (NPL):

NPL is Australia's premier Pickleball organisation, offering a professional national league, tournaments, corporate events, school and university programs, social leagues, and introductory pickleball days. NPL is dedicated to growing the number of pickleball players in Australia through professional league pathways, marketing, content creation, and venue investments.

Website: www.nplpickleball.com.au
Instagram: @nplpickleball
Facebook: @nplpickleball

About Make-A-Wish Australia 

Make-A-Wish is one of Australia's most trusted charities and is part of the world’s largest wish granting organisation. It exists to bring the local community together to grant life-changing wishes for children and teens with critical illnesses. Since 1985 it has delivered more than 11,000 inspirational wishes to children across the country. From the humble to the seemingly impossible – the Wish Force has made unicorns fly, sent kids to the moon and even brought dinosaurs back from extinction. Make-A-Wish Australia led the world in adopting the Wish Journey, a carefully curated program which focuses on wish capture and design, building anticipation for each child ahead of their wish being realised. In 2024, Make-A-Wish Australia was proud to place in YouGov Australia’s Top 10 Charity Rankings.

Website:  https://www.makeawish.org.au
Instagram: @makeawishaust
Facebook: @make-a-wish australia
LinkedIn:  @make-a-wish australia

For further information, please contact: media@makeawish.org.au

Ron Shell, CEO
ron@nplpickleball.com.au