The International Pickleball Federation (IPF) is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Adrienne Barlow as the Executive Vice President of Adaptive Pickleball for the IPF and Mr. Adnan El Guennouni as the Executive Vice President of International Tournament Certification for the IPF.

It can also reveal that the U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service has granted it nonprofit status.

Ms. Adrienne Barlow

Ms. Adrienne Barlow, hailing from Washington State, U.S.A., currently serves as the Founder and Director of Rock-N-Roll (RNR) Pickleball and RNR Adapt Sports.

Adrienne is dedicated to advancing para-pickleball and the study of adaptive movement in sports classification. As a social entrepreneur and health educator, Ms. Barlow advocates for inclusive access to healthy living.

In her role as EVP of Adaptive Pickleball for the IPF, Ms. Barlow will oversee the federation’s adaptive pickleball program. This involves ensuring accessibility for players with disabilities by addressing design barriers, promoting disability as an aspect of diversity, and creating inclusive playing opportunities.

Ms. Barlow will also act as the UPF liaison to all internationally-sanctioned adaptive pickleball events.

Mr. Adnan El Guennouni

Mr. Adnan El Guennouni is a mobile/web developer specializing in generative AI. He established Pickleball Verdun in Montreal, Canada, a community group dedicated to the promotion and nurturing of pickleball.

Fluent in four languages (English, French, Spanish, and Arabic) and possessing a multicultural background, his passion lies in uniting individuals through physical activities and cultivating healthy habits via sports promotion.

In his capacity as EVP of International Tournament Certification for the IPF, Mr. El Guennouni will oversee the certification process for all international pickleball competitions and events. Additionally, he will assess, advise, and manage the pickleball player evaluation and rating system, used to monitor the performance ratings of recreational, amateur, and professional players.

The Board of Directors of the Federation extends a warm welcome to Mr. El Guennouni and Ms. Adrienne Barlow and congratulates them on their appointments.

Nonprofit Status

The U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), has granted nonprofit status to the International Pickleball Federation, Inc. (IPF) under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3).

The IPF holds classification under IRC Section 501(c)(3) and is additionally categorized as a public charity under Section 509(a)(2) status.

This means that donors are now eligible to claim deductions for contributions under IRC Section 170.

They are also entitled to make tax-deductible bequests, devises, transfers, or gifts under Sections 2055, 2106, or 2522.

The exemption status became effective on May 3, 2022, following the acquisition of the Washington Area Pickleball Players Association, Inc. (WAPPA) in March 2023.