In a collaborative effort to support Ukrainian athletes amid ongoing challenges, San Diego-based Anywhere Pickleball has teamed up with the Ukrainian Pickleball Federation (UPF) to launch the Freedom Fighter Paddle. This paddle, approved by USA Pickleball for competitive play, aims to aid pickleball players in Ukraine by incorporating significant cultural symbols into its design. Adorned with the blue and yellow hues of the Ukrainian flag, it also features the Leleka, or white stork, and the Tryzub, Ukraine’s trident emblem. Additionally, a line from celebrated Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko, meaning “Fight and you shall overcome,” is inscribed on it. Ukrainian artists Dasha Volkova and Andrii Voloshyn, who are currently in the Netherlands, crafted this meaningful design.
Since June 2025, Anywhere Pickleball has been the first American strategic partner of the UPF. This partnership has bolstered several Ukrainian pickleball events, notably the First Ukrainian Veterans Pickleball Championship held in Kyiv between March 31 and April 5, 2026. This tournament saw the participation of 104 combat veterans from 20 regions across Ukraine. The Freedom Fighter Paddle was not only the official paddle used during the championship but was also awarded to the Fantastic Team honorees—two combat amputees from the Sumy region who secured a bronze medal.
Angus Wong, the founder of Anywhere Pickleball, emphasized that the collaboration underscores the belief that sports can play a crucial role in supporting communities affected by war. The initiative employs a unique “Gift 1, Get 1” model, ensuring that for every paddle purchased, a matching one is donated to a Ukrainian pickleball player via the UPF. This model is extended to corporate customers who buy paddles in bulk for purposes like employee gifting, client recognition, or corporate social responsibility initiatives, with corresponding paddles distributed to Ukrainian players.
Volodymyr Svirskii, President of the UPF, expressed optimism that this initiative would nurture the growth of pickleball in Ukraine while fostering a spirit of participation and achievement. Anna Glotova, UPF co-founder and Director of Strategic Partnerships, highlighted that sports can provide essential opportunities for connection and recovery, especially for those living with significant injuries. The Freedom Fighter Paddle is available for purchase online, with further details accessible through their website and corporate inquiry email.
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