Executive Vice President of Athlete Development & Pathway –

 

Brian JI is a pioneering 18-year-old executive driving youth and adaptive pickleball globally. As Executive Vice President of ThePWF, he leverages the world's fastest-growing sport as a platform for sustainable human and social development. He embraces the "infinite game" philosophy, redefining success not as finite winning at any cost, but as a lifelong commitment to creating positive, long-lasting impact.

 

Brian's work directly aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals through values-based training and adaptive sports and champions the IOC objectives of promoting peace, inclusivity, and education through sport.

 

Impact Highlights:

 

1. Building Sustainable Infrastructure: Established the Korea Youth Pickleball Association (KYPA 2023), the nation's first youth nonprofit, building national infrastructure and catalyzing Korea's first Youth Division championship.

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3. Global Youth Development & Education: As ThePWF's first and youngest certified pickleball educator and trainer in Korea and Asia, he uses a values-driven model to cultivate integrity, resilience, and teamwork, fostering purpose-driven lives beyond high-performance athletics.

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5. Spearheading Inclusion & Equity: Partnered with The Federation of Pickleball Asia (The FPA) to organize the inaugural DeafLympic event (Seoul, July 2025). Model of Inclusion: Founded Seoul International School's inaugural pickleball club, training a diverse group including audio-impaired players.

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7. Service & Advocacy: Leads initiatives blending sports and advocacy (e.g., Miles for Alzheimer's) to uplift underserved communities.