FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pickleball School provides Special Pickleball Program at the Pickleball Cup

Cancun, Mexico – [Date] – Following the announcement of Special Pickleball at the upcoming Cancun Regional Finals, Pickleball Americas is thrilled to share that the curriculum supporting this initiative will be drawn from the innovative Pickleball Schools Program, piloted in Vancouver, British Columbia. This marks a significant step in fostering grassroots development and inclusive participation in the sport.

The Pickleball Schools Program, accessible via PickleballSchools.org, is a collaborative effort between Pickleball Americas and Pickleball BC (PBC), designed to introduce and teach pickleball at the school level. Powered by funding from viaSport and additional partner support, this program serves as a cornerstone for developing adaptable and scalable training resources that empower communities to bring pickleball into schools, clubs, and now inclusive sports initiatives like Special Pickleball.

Gary Schwartz, Chair and President of Pickleball Americas, highlighted the importance of this integration:

“The curriculum developed through the Pickleball Schools pilot in Vancouver is a testament to the power of strategic collaboration and community-driven innovation. By leveraging this framework for Special Pickleball, we’re ensuring that athletes with intellectual disabilities have access to world-class training and resources, fostering growth, inclusion, and excellence in every aspect of their experience.”

Key Features of the Vancouver Pilot Curriculum

• Collaborative Framework Development: The curriculum is rooted in a partnership with Pickleball BC, creating an introductory framework for teaching pickleball at schools and community levels.
• Demonstration Projects: Piloted across three regional sites in British Columbia, the program has proven its ability to foster participation and engagement at the grassroots level.
• Comprehensive Resources: Based on pilot outcomes, the program will release a Pickleball Schools Planning Guide and support resources by late 2025, empowering clubs to implement similar programs.
• Long-Term Vision: These resources aim to embed pickleball into the fabric of community sports, ensuring sustainability and scalability.

The Cancun Regional Finals will serve as a global showcase for this curriculum’s adaptability and impact, demonstrating its potential to foster inclusion and skill development through Special Pickleball. The initiative aligns with Pickleball Americas’ commitment to advancing the sport by supporting athletes of all abilities while building stronger, healthier communities.

Event Details

The Cancun Regional Finals, set for December 2025, will feature Special Pickleball exhibition matches and demonstrations, introducing the sport to a global audience. These events will underscore the transformative power of the Vancouver pilot curriculum and its ability to inspire and equip the next generation of athletes and coaches.

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. Learn more at www.pickleballcup.com.