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.
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Athletes & Students
Buddy Volunteers
Happy World Friendship Day 💙💛
Friendship is at the heart of our community. Today and every day, we`re celebrating all the friendships that make Buddy Up for Life such a special place.
We`re so grateful for the connections that make our community stronger and the friends who make every program even better. ✨
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #Friendship #Downsyndrome #DSAwareness #WorldFriendshipDay #InternationalDayofFriendship
Our Athletes in Dallas, TX are staying active, building confidence and having fun together on the courts and in the gym.
A huge thank you to Sandlot Children`s Charity (@sandlotcharity) for helping support our Athletes and our Buddy Up Tennis, Fitness, and Pickleball programming in Dallas! 💙💛
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #AdaptivePrograms #DownSyndromeAwareness #Downsyndrome #ThankYou
Summer has been full of learning, growth, and new experiences for our Communities for Life Students! 💙☀️
From practicing everyday life skills to exploring the community together, our Students are building confidence and independence every step of the way.
We`re so proud of all they`ve learned and accomplished this summer! ✨
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #AdaptivePrograms #Downsyndrome #DSAwareness #Communities
This weekend, Buddy Up Tennis Athletes hit the courts with our friends from the GLTA World Tour (@gltaworldtour) at the Columbus Classic! 🎾
From tennis drills and fitness activities to obstacle courses and team games, it was an incredible day of movement, connection, and fun. 💙
Thank you to the GLTA and Columbus Classic Tournament Director, Joey Dillon, for welcoming our Athletes, supporting Buddy Up for Life, and helping us share the power of inclusive sports. ⭐️
#BuddyUpTennis #BuddyUpForLife #InclusionInAction #AdaptiveTennis #TennisForAll
We are so proud to share that Founding Athlete, Will Gibson (@buddyupwill), has been named a regional honoree of the 2026 Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award. 🌟
This award recognizes youth leaders using sport to create positive change in their communities. Through Buddy Up Tennis and Buddy Up for Life, Will has helped bring meaningful programming opportunities for people with Down syndrome to new communities nationwide. 🎾
With this honor, Buddy Up for Life has received a generous grant from the Billie Jean King Foundation (@billiejeankingfoundation) to continue empowering people with Down syndrome through sport, education, and inclusion. ✨
Visit the link in our bio to read more about the award and its honorees recognized during last night’s ESPY Awards and Sports Humanitarian Awards. 🔗
We`re so grateful to Tennis Competitors of Dallas (@tcdtennis) for their support of Buddy Up Tennis in Dallas, TX.
Thank you for supporting our Athletes and creating opportunities for them to learn, grow, and shine. 💙💛
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #AdaptivePrograms #DownSyndromeAwareness #Downsyndrome #ThankYou
#MondayMotivation 💙💛
Our Students and Athletes continue to break barriers, rise to new challenges, and show just how much is possible! #ExpectMore
#BuddyUpforLife #AdaptivePrograms #DownSyndromeAwareness #Downsyndrome
We`ve had an incredible summer so far! ☀️ From Communication and Cooking to Cardio & Core and Connections, our programs have been filled with learning, friendship, and fun.
Visit the link in our bio to learn more about how you can get involved!
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #DSAwareness #Downsyndrome #AdaptivePrograms #Summer
