This Nonprofit Brought Pickleball to the Wounded in War-Torn Ukraine

A Historic Pickleball Moment in Odesa

On Friday, May 23rd, we held more than just a tournament. For the first time in Ukraine, players in wheelchairs participated in a pickleball tournament. It was a powerful step toward inclusive sport — toward a community where there is a place for everyone.

Pickleball, for us, is more than just a sport. It’s about strength, humanity, and belief in life.

Sadly, May 23 will also be remembered for the moment when enemy ballistic missiles struck Odesa during our pickleball tournament. We all went down to the shelter together — some holding paddles, some comforting their children, others supporting one another. And after the all-clear signal, the game went on.

Because we are a community that never gives up!

FOR THE FIRST TIME in the history of the English OPEN — a PARA PICKLEBALL event!

The format: doubles competition using adaptive rules for players with prosthetics and those using wheelchairs.

This category is an initiative of the Ukrainian Pickleball Federation, created at the request of Ukrainian athletes. We believe this is another important step toward inclusion in sports and global support for Ukraine!

All-Ukrainian Pickleball Federation has successfully hosted the largest tournament in the history of pickleball in Ukraine! We are thrilled for the federation and take immense pride in this achievement, as it marks yet another step towards the popularization and development of both pickleball and adaptive pickleball in our country!

Opening of the new inclusive sports complex in Kyiv!

What makes it especially important is that the complex is fully inclusive and adapted for veterans and people with disabilities. Everything here is designed for accessibility – from ramps and Braille signage to modern gyms and sports courts.

"Here they truly thought about everyone – you feel that sport is really for all! You don’t feel different, you feel equal!" – shared one of the participants of the opening.

For us, it is particularly meaningful that among the 15 sports locations, a brand-new pickleball court has been opened – a sport that has already become an important part of veterans’ rehabilitation. Today, it was the pickleball courts where emotions, excitement, and friendly competition were in full swing.