The Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), founded in 2023, has made significant strides in its mission to grow pickleball worldwide. As the sport’s international governing body, the GPF oversees the game’s development and standardization, uniting 52 member countries under its “Pickleball for the World” vision.
A Year of Growth and Accomplishment
The GPF aims to elevate pickleball from grassroots to high-performance levels, working closely with continental federations and volunteers. Its ethical framework and by-laws were designed to achieve International Olympic Committee recognition.
Key achievements in 2024 include officiating the 13th African Games pickleball tournament in Ghana and gaining Olympic Committee recognition for pickleball in the Philippines and Poland. Additionally, referees were trained and certified in countries like China, Egypt, and England.
Strategic Plans and Member Engagement
The federation’s “Active8 Strategic Plan” tracks progress across its eight committees. GPF also launched a global pickleball court and game finder in partnership with Pickleheads, enhancing player accessibility.
At the USA Pickleball National Championships, the GPF hosted 15 leaders for training in tournament operations and sponsorship. Its first Annual General Meeting welcomed representatives from 15 countries, with others joining virtually.
“The inaugural AGM of the preeminent international federation for pickleball was a historic occasion. Our first year was a long journey, requiring hard work. Now the GPF is poised to lead global pickleball’s upward momentum into the next chapter.” – (President Javier Regalado)
Building a Future for Global Pickleball
With a clear focus on ethics, training, and worldwide outreach, the GPF is set to further unify and expand pickleball. Its efforts ensure standardized gameplay and opportunities for players at every level, paving the way for a brighter, global future for the sport.
News in Brief: Global Pickleball Federation
In just its first year, the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), founded in 2023, has made significant strides in uniting 52 countries under its mission to make pickleball a global sport. In 2024, the GPF officiated the 13th African Games pickleball tournament and secured recognition from Olympic Committees in the Philippines and Poland.
The federation also launched an international court and game finder, while training referees in China, Egypt, and England. With its “Active8 Strategic Plan”, the GPF is poised to continue growing the sport globally and unify players at all levels.
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