By Ruth Rosenquist & Javier Regalado
The overarching mission of the Global Pickleball Federation is to promote, lead, and support the growth and development of pickleball as a sport for all, for life.
While the sport of pickleball accommodates players of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, paddles, pickleballs and nets remain scarce in many parts of the world.
The Philippine Pickleball Federation has nurtured the growth of pickleball, from temporary courts on the street to 80 clubs and over 4,100 players today. It all began on Emerald Avenue, in the heart of the Pasig City business district in April 2018. Now in its fifth year, Street Pickleball has endured as a popular place to come out and learn the sport.
Coni Ibañez, president of Ortigas Street Pickleball said "We have many new players every week, real first-timers who borrow paddles to try pickleball. We also have many visitors from around the world who hear about us on social media and come to the Philippines to see what we're up to." From Street Pickleball’s grassroots beginnings in 2018, pickleball in the Philippines is now thriving at 70 venues with over 170 courts.
The Global Pickleball Federation recognizes that getting paddles into hands is the most effective way to take action to grow the sport. “To make pickleball accessible to all parts of the world, each GPF member country is eligible to receive thirty GPF Welcome Kits, in partnership with Pickleball United,” said Javier Regalado, president of the GPF.
“Pickleball United is excited to work with the Global Pickleball Federation to build the sport of pickleball at a global level. We believe that our contribution will ignite the same passion we feel for pickleball across all member countries,” said Pranov Kholi of Pickleball United.
Each GPF Welcome Kit contains: (see attached photos)
- One portable pickleball net
- Four pickleball paddles
- Eight pickleballs.
The first ten Welcome Kits are complimentary, with 20 additional kits available at a discounted cost of $100 USD per set.
Each GPF member country is eligible to claim all 30 GPF Welcome Kits, or simply claim their ten complimentary Welcome Kits, at no charge. Through this start-up program, recipients are responsible for shipping charges and import duties. Options to defray shipping/duties costs are also under review by the GPF.
“As pickleball equipment becomes more widely accessible, our sport can foster equity, social connections and a greater sense of community in more parts of the world.” Regalado added.
