Humana Foundation Unveils Indoor Pickleball Courts in West Louisville (original) (raw)

A $217,000 grant from the Humana Foundation opens access to popular sport at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center

LOUISVILLE, KY – September 19, 2024 – The Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) for the past 43 years, joined community members in cutting the ribbon on 12 new indoor pickleball courts through a donation to the Urban League of Louisville. The new courts offer West End residents and people across Louisville the opportunity to engage in the fastest growing sport in America, in one of Louisville’s premier athletic facilities.

The Humana Foundation’s work is centered on health equity and advancing equitable access and outcomes for diverse communities. In 2020, Humana donated $6.5 million to ensure the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center reached completion. The new pickleball courts continue Humana’s support of the Center and its dedication to West Louisville. “We’re so excited to help create a space where people can make new friends, find common ground and participate in a universal sport that brings generations together,” said Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation. “Through pickleball, we’re empowering West End seniors, youth and their families, to engage in physical activity and social interactions in support of their physical and mental health.”

Local residents, employees from Humana and government officials also participated in a pickleball clinic hosted by Humana Inc., the Humana Foundation and the Association of Pickleball Players (APP). Louisville mayor, Craig Greenberg was on hand to celebrate the opening of the courts and inspired those in attendance to enjoy this new community resource.

“I continue to be impressed with the incredible growth of the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center. From championship track events to community gatherings, and now indoor pickleball, this world class facility has something for everyone to enjoy,” said Mayor Craig Greenberg. “Congratulations to Tiffany and the entire Humana Foundation on this exciting project and I encourage everyone across the city to come play on these new courts!”

During the event, the Humana Foundation also provided nutritional education for seniors through an “In the Kitchen” cooking demonstration by Louisville-based gluten-free chef Angela Pike. Attendees were also inspired by learning sessions with pickleball pros, and an exhibition tournament. A father-daughter duo displayed their pickleball skills as Louisville native Riley Bohnert, currently the No. 1 ranked APP Next Gen women’s player, and her father, Chris Bohnert, competed together. Both have traveled the country this year to compete in the champion pros division of the Humana Cup. The Humana Cup is a first-of-its-kind competition in a team format for pickleball professionals ages 50 and over.

About the Humana Foundation

The Humana Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. and is focused on health equity, working to eliminate unjust, avoidable and unnecessary barriers in health and healthcare. The Foundation fosters evidence-based collaborations and investments that help people in underserved communities live connected, healthy lives. As a steward of good health, the Foundation creates healthy emotional connections for people and communities and is shaping a healthier approach to nutrition to support lifelong well-being. For more information, visit humanafoundation.org.

Humana Inc. and the Humana Foundation believe everyone should have access to the tools and support needed to have a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Our commitment to improving health outcomes for all – our members and patients, employees, the communities we serve, the healthcare system, and the environment - is the foundation of our Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) impact platform.

Marvin Hill
Humana Corporate Communications
Mhill1@humana.com
Source: Humana Inc.