DUPR CEO Tito Machado to take on IRONMAN Lanzarote as the launchpad for a broader fundraising movement powered by the global pickleball community

TAMPA, FL - November 4, 2026 - DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) and the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF) today announced a new partnership aimed at mobilizing the global pickleball community to raise critical funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research.

At the center of the partnership is NPCF’s Pickleball Funds the Cure initiative. DUPR will help expand its reach by activating its community of more than 2 million players and users, along with clubs, coaches, pros, creators and industry partners. 

“Pickleball has an extraordinary ability to bring people together, and this partnership gives us an opportunity to turn that community connection into meaningful impact for children facing cancer,” said Dawn Zachman, Chief Growth and Impact Officer at the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. “With DUPR's reach across the sport and Tito's commitment to this mission, we can build something that keeps making a difference for years to come.”

As part of the launch, DUPR CEO Tito Machado will take on an IRONMAN Lanzarote in May of 2027. This 140.6-mile race is one of endurance racing's most demanding challenges, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run. Machado is competing in support of the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, championing its mission to help children battling cancer.

Throughout the journey, training milestones will provide opportunities to bring the community back to the cause, share fundraising progress, spotlight participating clubs and players, and highlight the pediatric cancer research being advanced through NPCF.

Every mile matters, but Machado's journey is only the beginning.

“Our community has always been at its best when it comes together, and this partnership gives everyone in pickleball a way to show up for something bigger than the sport,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “Whether it’s a club hosting an event or a player making a donation, every contribution counts. I’m proud to do my part in Lanzarote, but the real impact will come from all of us together.” 

Beyond Lanzarote, the organizations intend to explore how DUPR's national and global pickleball network can help expand Pickleball Funds the Cure and create repeatable opportunities for players, clubs, coaches, partners and communities to support pediatric cancer research.

Join the Mission

Players, clubs, coaches, partners and members of the pickleball community are invited to join DUPR and the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation in donating to support pediatric cancer research.

To donate, please visit: https://nationalpcf.org/programs/pickleball-funds-the-cure/dupr/

About DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world’s leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and players. DUPR’s dynamic rating system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to accurately evaluate all players across a 2.000 - 8.000 scale. DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments and clubs around the world, including Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), USA Pickleball (USAP), United Pickleball Association (UPA), Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), Major League Pickleball (MLP), Pickleball.com, Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League. It also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the biggest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more. 

About the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation

Since 1991, National Pediatric Cancer Foundation® (NPCF™) has been dedicated to funding clinical trials by collaborating with a network of more than 40 cutting-edge hospitals across the nation to fast-track less toxic and more targeted treatments to end childhood cancer. Since its inception, NPCF has donated over $50 million to research and has funded over 28 project initiatives. NPCF is a top-rated charity with a 100% score for financial transparency and responsibility and has received 4 stars for the past 14 years from Charity Navigator. By partnering with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, you’ll amplify your community impact and join our team to find less toxic, more targeted treatments for childhood cancer. To learn more, visit www.Nationalpcf.org