FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pickleball Americas Announces Launch of Special Pickleball at Cancun Regional Finals

Cancun, Mexico – Nov 23 – Pickleball Americas is proud to announce the launch of Special Pickleball as a highlight of the upcoming Cancun Regional Finals of the Pickleball Cup, set to take place in December 2025. This initiative represents a groundbreaking milestone in inclusivity, as athletes with intellectual disabilities will take center stage alongside elite pickleball players from across the Americas.

Special Pickleball is a transformative program inspired by the successful integration of the sport into the Special Olympics Venezuela, where over 6,000 athletes across 12 states embraced pickleball as a discipline for skill development, teamwork, and community engagement. Building on this foundation, Pickleball Americas is launching www.specialpickleball.org, a dedicated platform to amplify this initiative globally, providing resources, training materials, and competition opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Leonard Stango, President of Venezuela Pickleball Association and member of the PFA Board, expressed his enthusiasm for the program:

“Special Pickleball embodies the true spirit of sport—bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities for athletes of all abilities. We are thrilled to showcase this initiative at the Cancun Regional Finals and to inspire the global pickleball community to embrace inclusivity.”

The Cancun Regional Finals will serve as the inaugural showcase of Special Pickleball in an international competition format. Featuring exhibition matches and athlete demonstrations, the event will highlight the dedication and skill of Special Pickleball participants while celebrating their role in the growing pickleball community.

Event Highlights:

• Special Pickleball Exhibition Matches: Showcasing athletes’ skills and fostering greater awareness of inclusive sports.
• Global Spotlight: Cancun marks the first step in integrating Special Pickleball into international pickleball events, paving the way for its inclusion in all future tournaments under the Pickleball Cup umbrella.
• Collaborative Spirit: Bringing together athletes, coaches, and fans to celebrate the unifying power of sport.

The inclusion of Special Pickleball aligns with Pickleball Americas’ commitment to fostering participation, equity, and inclusion across all levels of the sport. By integrating Special Pickleball into the Cancun Regional Finals, the organization is setting a precedent for inclusivity and innovation in international sports.

The Cancun Regional Finals, held in one of the world’s most iconic destinations, will serve as a platform to celebrate diversity in pickleball and inspire the next generation of players. For more information about the event and the Special Pickleball program, please visit www.pickleballcup.com or www.pickleballamericas.org

About Pickleball Americas:

Pickleball Americas represents 19 member countries across the Americas and is the premier advocate for the growth and development of pickleball in the region. Through tournaments, educational initiatives, and inclusive programming, Pickleball Americas is shaping the future of the sport on a global scale. For more information, visit www.pickleballamericas.org.

About the Pickleball Cup:

The Pickleball Cup is a landmark international tournament uniting national teams in a celebration of competition, community, and camaraderie. With regional qualifiers leading to a world final, the Pickleball Cup aims to elevate pickleball as a global sport. Learn more at www.pickleballcup.com.