Anywhere Pickleball, a company based in San Diego, has formed a collaboration with the Ukrainian Pickleball Federation (UPF) to launch the Freedom Fighter Paddle, a new pickleball paddle approved by USA Pickleball for competitive play. This initiative aims to support pickleball enthusiasts in Ukraine, incorporating the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag along with national symbols such as the Leleka, or white stork, and the Tryzub, the trident emblem of Ukraine. An inspiring line from the renowned Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko, “Fight and you shall overcome,” is also featured on the paddle. This distinctive design was crafted by Ukrainian artists Dasha Volkova and Andrii Voloshyn, who currently reside in the Netherlands.
Since June 2025, Anywhere Pickleball has been a key American partner of the UPF, providing assistance to Ukrainian pickleball events. Notably, the company has supported the First Ukrainian Veterans Pickleball Championship, which took place in Kyiv from March 31 to April 5, 2026. This tournament showcased the talents of 104 combat veterans from 20 different regions across Ukraine. During the championship, the Freedom Fighter Paddle was not only used as the official paddle but was also awarded to the Fantastic Team, comprising two combat amputees from the Sumy region who secured a bronze medal.
Angus Wong, the founder of Anywhere Pickleball, emphasized that this partnership is rooted in the belief that sports can play a crucial role in supporting communities impacted by conflict. To further this cause, the company has implemented a “Gift 1, Get 1” program with the Freedom Fighter Paddle. For each paddle purchased, a matching paddle is donated to a Ukrainian player through the UPF. This initiative extends to corporate clients who wish to purchase paddles in bulk for purposes such as employee gifts, client recognition, or corporate social responsibility programs, with matching donations distributed in Ukraine.
Volodymyr Svirskii, the President of the UPF, expressed hope that this initiative will aid in advancing the sport of pickleball within Ukraine, fostering participation and excellence among its players. Anna Glotova, co-founder and Director of Strategic Partnerships at UPF, highlighted the role of sports in providing opportunities for connection and recovery for individuals dealing with life-altering injuries. The Freedom Fighter Paddle is readily available for purchase through its dedicated website and for corporate inquiries via email.
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