As the international governing body for pickleball, the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) serves 72 member nations (and counting). To achieve compliance standards established by the International Olympic Council (IOC) for pickleball's future inclusion in The Olympics, the sport of pickleball must be inclusive and accessible. In underserved parts of the world, desks often function as makeshift nets, and a set of four paddles are shared among an entire village.
Our goal is to inspire tomorrow's athletes, by leveling the playing field by delivering equipment starter kits to each GPF member country applicant, free of charge. To date, we have delivered Member Kits to the Ghana Pickleball Association, with additional paddles distributed to Africa through the joint efforts of the Good Sport Foundation and GPF.
Dr. Kwabena Akufo, Founder, Ghana Pickleball Association and GPF Board Member shared why each starter kit was so important to growing the sport:
"Our push for grassroots development of pickleball in Ghana has been limited due to equipment. When the Ghana Pickleball Association received GPF member kits, we were enabled to expand to more regions in Ghana that will help us in our drive toward formal recognition by the Ministry of Sports."
Now, GPF is honored to partner with Pickleball for Good Fund, to launch OPERATION PaddleLift to raise critical funds to defray the high costs associated with shipping, import duties, and customs charges for pickleball equipment to remote, under-championed regions of the world.
Every $1,000 in tax-deductible donations raised will help to cover shipping and customs costs for one OPERATION PaddleLift Kit to a member country containing:
- 20 Pickleball Paddles
- 4 Pickleball Nets
- 40 Pickleballs
Delivering pickleball equipment is only part of our strategy to level the playing field. GPF will secure a Champion in each Member Country to 1) manage and safeguard all equipment, 2) conduct training and clinics, and 3) promote the grassroots growth of recreational and future pro athletes with infrastructure.
On behalf of GPFs diverse member countries and our volunteer Board of Directors, we thank you for your caring support. Please reach out if you have any questions or new equipment to donate.
Read about an upcoming trip of a lifetime to Africa in February 2026 when Pickleball for Good Fund's founder, Susan Swern, is delivering donated equipment as part of OPERATION Paddlelift.
Contact: Ruth Rosenquist, GPF Community Development Committee Chair
Email: rrosenquist@globalpickleballfederation.org
Website: www.globalpickleballfederation.org
