FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date : 03 Oct 2023
On September 2023, the Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP), Confederation of African Pickleball (CAP), European Pickleball Federation (EPF), Oceania Pickleball Federation (OPF) and Pickleball Federation of the Americas (PFA) jointly reached an agreement to form one alliance of continental federations.
These five pickleball federations have now come together to issue a call for action.
SINGLE ALLIANCE + SINGLE INTERNATIONAL GOVERNING BODY
This alliance will provide the base for the recognition of a single international governing body by all pickleball playing countries and by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in order to gain entry into the Olympics and other major, multi-sport games. The objective is to enable a solid growth and development of pickleball as a sport for all, for life.
The five continental alliance members will consult with and advise the single international federation as it solidifies its organizational structure and increases its membership in alignment with the principles of the IOC.
This alliance strongly emphasizes that one international pickleball federation be formally recognized by 31 January 2024.
In support, the alliance will work as one cohesive unit based on consensus, leveraging the strength of its continental federations to engage with countries’ national pickleball associations, stakeholders, governmental bodies, and organizations involved in sports governance. The alliance will establish a strong network and collaboration mechanism.
The alliance expects its guidance and support over the next four months and beyond to be a critical component as the single international federation develops and garners recognition and respect.
The pickleball community worldwide eagerly anticipates the positive outcomes that will arise from this groundbreaking alliance. The founding members of this continental alliance express their gratitude for the continued support of every country/territory, player and partner on this remarkable journey toward realizing the global potential of pickleball.
Unanimously supported by:
Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP) - https://www.afpickleball.org/
Confederation of African Pickleball (CAP) – https://www.cafricapickleball.com
European Pickleball Federation (EPF) - https://europeanpickleballfederation.org/
Oceania Pickleball Federation (OPF) - https://oceaniapickleball.org/
Pickleball Federation of the Americas (PFA) - https://pickleballfederation-americas.org/