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.
Independent living preparation program designed to build retention of previously learned skills delivered in an apartment-style learning lab.
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.
Mind, Body Connect is a literacy program that combines reading comprehension, writing, music, movement, and visual art.
States
Chapters
Athletes & Students
Buddy Volunteers
We`re celebrating a BIG addition to the Buddy Up Team! 💫
Meet Luciana Perry (@lucianaperry_) and Bryce Nakashima (@nakashima_bryce), our official Buddy Up Tennis Ambassadors! 🎾
These elite student-athletes from The Ohio State University (@theohiostateuniversity), home to one of the nation`s premier collegiate tennis programs, are using their platform to champion inclusion in the Columbus community and beyond. 👏
Ohio State Tennis (@ohiostatewten @ohiostatemten) has been a longtime supporter of Buddy Up, and we`re thrilled to build on that longstanding connection with Luciana and Bryce. Through their roles as Ambassadors, they`ll help share the Buddy Up Tennis experience, celebrate our Athletes, and spread the message that everyone deserves the opportunity to get in the game. 🌟
Great athletes have the power to make an impact far beyond the court. We`re proud to have Luciana and Bryce on our team! 💙
#BuddyUpForLife #BuddyUpTennis #OhioStateTennis #ExpectMore
Buddy Up Tennis is BACK in action in the Upper Valley! 🎾
Athletes, Buddies, and Coaches from both New Hampshire and Vermont enjoyed an energetic first clinic to celebrate the re-launch of this chapter! We can`t wait to see everything they accomplish this session. 🌟
Learn how you can participate, donate, or volunteer at the link in bio! 🔗
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #Pickleball #Downsyndrome #AdaptiveSports
Happy Halloween! 🎃
We love to see everyone`s costumes on the courts! Swipe to see some of our favorite moments from Buddy Up Tennis Halloween clinics over the years 👉
#BuddyUpforLife #Halloween #ExpectMore #Downsyndrome #Tennis
The Buddy Up for Life merch store is officially OPEN! 🛍️
Shop t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more to show off your Buddy Up spirit in style! ✨
The store is open until November 9! Visit the link in bio to shop now 🔗
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #SpiritWear #Downsyndrome #Downsyndromeawareness
#ThrowbackThursday Check out our Communication for Life Students exploring all things fall and putting their communication skills into practice! 🎃
From picking pumpkins to tackling scavenger hunts and building new friendships, learning happens everywhere. 💙💛
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #Throwback #FallFun #Halloween
Only 5️⃣ more days left to support Buddy Up Athletes during Down Syndrome Awareness Month! ✨
Who will our top chapters be? 🏆 Help your local Athletes and Buddy volunteers reach their goal by visiting the link in bio! 🔗
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #Downsyndrome #SpecialEducation #AdaptiveAthletes
Columbus showed up and showed out! 🏃💙
A huge THANK YOU to The Cool Down Crew (@thecooldowncrew), a student-run running club for pre-health students at The Ohio State University, for hosting the inaugural Run the Oval 5K/10K in support of Buddy Up for Life and Who We Play For (@tosuwwpf)!
We’re grateful for their support and for everyone who came out to run, walk, and cheer. Thank you for bringing our community together and making a difference for people with Down syndrome! 🌟
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #PoweredbyMORE #Downsyndrome #Running
Buddy Up Pickleball is coming to Rochester, NY! 📣
Come join us as an Athlete with Down syndrome or a Buddy volunteer looking to make an impact! Our first session begins November 4th. 💙
🏓 Buddy Up Pickleball
Wednesdays | 5:00-6:00 PM
YMCA of Greater Rochester - Maplewood
Link in bio to learn more and SIGN UP to secure your spot! We’ll see you there! ✨
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #Rochester #Downsyndrome #Pickleball
