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
Serving up some fun! 🏓
At our 2026 Annual Benefit Gala, guests had the chance to bid on fun, one-of-a-kind ways to connect with the Buddy Up community. The Morrow Family won a special Buddy Up Pickleball experience and redeemed it this summer for a day of pickleball, laughs, and making memories with Buddy Up Athletes! 💫
We’re so grateful to the Morrow Family for their support of Buddy Up for Life and for spending the day with us! 💙
#ExpectMore #BuddyUpforLife #Pickleball #SilentAuction #SummerFun
CHICAGO 📣 Let’s play pickleball!
Buddy Up Pickleball is launching our 16th chapter! Come join us as an Athlete with Down syndrome or a Buddy volunteer looking to make an impact! Our first session begins this Sunday, 9/27. 💙
🏓 Buddy Up Pickleball
Sundays | 4:00-5:00 PM
Pickleball Kingdom North Aurora (@pickleballkingdom.northaurora)
Link in bio to learn more and SIGN UP to secure your spot! We’ll see you on the courts. ✨
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #Chicago #Downsyndrome #Pickleball
Homecoming Highlights! ✨
This week, Buddy Up Athletes Avery & Brady were crowned New Albany High School’s Homecoming Queen & King! 👑
We hope you had the best time dancing and celebrating!
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #Homecoming #HighSchool #Athletes
Fall programming has officially arrived! We are so excited to see our Students and Athletes back in the classroom and on the courts. We have so many exciting programs and fall fun upcoming so stay tuned! 🍂✨
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #AdaptivePrograms #Downsyndrome #Fall #FallFun
A special thank you to GCTA (@gcta.columbus) for helping make our Tennis and Summer Camp programming in Columbus, OH possible! 🎾
Your support gives our Students and Athletes opportunities to have fun, challenge themselves, and stay active. Thank you, GCTA! 🙌✨
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #ThankYou #AdaptiveProgramming #Downsyndrome
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
