Buddy Up for Life serves to enable and empower people with Down syndrome to live healthy, connected, and independent lives through industry leading adaptive programs.
High-energy fitness and tennis program that builds coordination, confidence, and community through fun drills, match play, and team exercises.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout program that builds strength, endurance, and confidence through full-body movement.
Fast-paced, skill-building program where Athletes learn strokes, strategy, and teamwork through guided drills and friendly match play.
Dynamic kickboxing-inspired workout that boosts cardiovascular health, core strength, and coordination through high-energy movement.
Music-driven dance workout led by a licensed Zumba® instructor that inspires self-expression and improves rhythm and balance.
Workout that blends strength and mindfulness, focusing on posture, balance, and body awareness from the inside out.
Interactive, discussion-based program that builds self-advocacy, conversation skills, and confidence through peer connection and real-world practice.
Classes are led by a licensed Speech-Language-Pathologist.
Hands-on culinary program that teaches cooking techniques, nutrition, and kitchen safety through guided recipes and meal prep.
Classes are co-led by a trained chef and special educator.
Practical money management program that builds financial awareness through budgeting, spending, saving, and decision making.
Classes are co-led by a subject matter expert from Fifth-Third Bank and a special educator.
iPad-based program that builds confidence using everyday technology and digital tools that support independence.
Classes are co-led by a subject matter expert and special educator.
Real-world safety program that teaches first-aid, decision making, and personal responsibility through hands-on instruction and simulations.
Classes are co-led by a nurse and special educator.
Independent living preparation program designed to build retention of previously learned skills delivered in an apartment-style learning lab.
Foundational cooking, finance, and technology program for those who benefit from higher levels of verbal and literacy support.
States
Chapters
Athletes & Students
Buddy Volunteers
On Sunday, Buddy Up Tennis Athletes from Scranton, PA had the opportunity to show off their skills at the US Open (@usopen)! 🎾
As part of the USTA Middle States (@ustamiddlestates) Adaptive Group, 12 players from 5 adaptive programs hit Arthur Ashe Stadium ahead of the Aryna Sabalenka vs. Taylor Townsend match. Players rallied on the world`s largest stage, showing that tennis is for everyone. 🌟
#InclusiveSports #Adaptive #Downsyndrome #Tennis #USOpen
VOLUNTEERS 📣 WE NEED YOU!
Looking for volunteer opportunities in Columbus, OH? Come serve as a teammate, mentor, and friend to Athletes & Students with Down syndrome! 🫶
Check out our weekly programs starting this week:
🏋️ Buddy Up Fitness (begins 9/9)
Wednesdays | 6:30-7:30 PM
🏓 Buddy Up Pickleball (begins 9/10)
Thursdays | 5:00-6:00 PM
🗣️ Communication for Life (begins 9/15)
Tuesdays | 5:30-7:00 PM
📱 Technology for Life (begins 9/21)
Mondays | 4:30-5:30 PM
📝 Literacy for Life (begins 9/21)
Mondays | 5:45-7:15 PM
Register through the link in bio OR reach out directly to Ann@BUforLife.org ✨
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #Volunteering #GivingBack #SpecialEducation
NEW PROGRAM ALERT! 🌟
What better day than International Literacy Day to introduce our newest program: Literacy for Life - now piloting in Columbus, OH! 📖
Mind + Body Connect is the first class in this program and is designed to strengthen reading comprehension and writing skills through music, movement, and visual art. 🎨
This multidisciplinary approach creates new and engaging ways for Students to learn, communicate, and express themselves. 💫
We`re looking for Buddy volunteers to join us! Register today through the link in bio 🔗
#Literacy #SpecialEducation #Downsyndrome #BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore
One of the ways we showcase the incredible things our Students and Athletes are accomplishing and share the Buddy Up for Life mission is through design. 💙💛
We’re proud to be one of one million nonprofits around the world designing with @Canva! #Canva1MillionNFPs
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 📣
Let’s play pickleball! Sign up now to join Buddy Up Athletes on the courts this Fall:
🏓 Buddy Up Pickleball • Columbus, OH
Thursdays | 5:00-6:00 PM
Pickle & Chill (@pickleandchill614)
Session 1
9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15
Session 2
10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17
Link in bio to register today! 🔗
#BuddyUpforLife #Pickleball #Volunteer #GivingBack #ExpectMore
We are so pleased to share another exciting and well-deserved recognition! 🏆
Congratulations to Cheryl Halpern on being named a recipient of the USTA 35x35 President’s Impact Award for her grassroots leadership in growing the game of tennis. 🎾
In 2019, Cheryl spearheaded the launch of Buddy Up Tennis in Dallas, Texas. Since then, she has served as the Dallas Chapter Coordinator of Buddy Tennis, Fitness, and Pickleball, and a member of the Buddy Up for Life Executive Advisory Board. Her passion for creating inclusive opportunities for those with Down syndrome continues to have a big impact, and we are so proud to have her on our team! 🌟
Congratulations, Cheryl! 💙
@usta @usopen @buddyupforlifedallas
#BuddyUpforLife #BuddyUpTennis #ExpectMore #USOpen #DownSyndrome
The possibilities are endless when we give individuals with Down syndrome the opportunity to shine and show us all they can do! 💙💛 #ExpectMore
#BuddyUpforLife #Downsyndrome #DSAwareness #Extraordinary
Congratulations to the Finke Family on being named the USTA Midwest (@ustamidwest) Family of the Year! 🌟
For nearly 🔟 years, Katie Finke has served as the Chapter Coordinator of Buddy Up Tennis in Naperville, IL. Alongside her son, Owen, Katie has been a driving force in growing the Buddy Up Tennis community and expanding opportunities for people with Down syndrome to thrive through the sport she loves. 🎾
Katie and her family were honored at the 2026 Cincinnati Open (@cincytennis) for their outstanding contribution to the growth, development, and promotion of tennis within their local community. 💫 Congratulations!
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #Downsyndrome #Tennis #AdaptiveSports
