USAP and UDIM Partners to Promote Health and Sports: In an exciting development for both the dairy and pickleball communities, the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) has announced a new partnership with USA Pickleball. This collaboration designates dairy as the official refueling beverage for the sport and shows a shared commitment to enhancing physical activity and nutrition among students.
“Dairy and pickleball are a great partnership because both are for everyone,” says Cortney Freeland, UDIM Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. “We are thrilled to partner with USA Pickleball to promote physical activity and healthy habits in schools across Michigan.”
Refueling and Educating
As USA Pickleball’s Official Refuel Beverage partner, UDIM will play a pivotal role in introducing pickleball to Michigan schools. The partnership aims to integrate pickleball into physical education programs and highlight the nutritional benefits of dairy. This initiative will support physical education teacher training and provide students with essential nutrition education.
“By integrating pickleball into school programs and emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition with milk as a refuel beverage, we will support the well-being and development of students,” Freeland explains. “This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity to bring excitement and energy to physical education while encouraging lifelong healthy habits.”
Fall Youth and Recreation Event
The partnership will also facilitate Michigan school districts’ participation in a USA Pickleball youth and recreation team event this fall. Attendees will receive training on how to introduce pickleball into schools and educate fellow teachers. Additionally, they will gain insights into nutrition to ensure students receive the proper nourishment to excel both academically and athletically.
“This partnership with UDIM is incredibly exciting as USA Pickleball and Michigan’s dairy farmers share a common goal of enriching the lives of students in schools across the state of Michigan,” remarks Jose Moreno, USA Pickleball Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer.
Growing Popularity of Pickleball
The surge in pickleball’s popularity is evident, with more than 13.6 million players across the United States in 2023, marking a 65% increase from the previous year, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.
“We look forward to working with the UDIM team to bring exciting pickleball programs and initiatives to life, all with milk supporting the students’ ability to enjoy pickleball and stay active,” Moreno adds.
Freeland concludes, “With this partnership, dairy farmers are leveraging the sport’s popularity to share the nutrition and deliciousness of chocolate milk and, really, all dairy foods. It’s another example of how UDIM is continuously seeking new and interesting ways to bring dairy’s message to consumers.”
News in Brief: USAP and UDIM Partners to Promote Health and Sports
The United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) has partnered with USA Pickleball to promote physical activity and nutrition in Michigan schools. As the Official Refuel Beverage partner, UDIM will help integrate pickleball into physical education programs and highlight dairy’s nutritional benefits. This fall, Michigan schools will participate in a USA Pickleball youth event, receiving training and nutrition education. The partnership aligns with the growing popularity of pickleball, with 13.6 million players in the U.S. in 2023. The collaboration aims to support student well-being and lifelong healthy habits.
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