We exist to serve individuals with Down syndrome by providing a fun, active, and supportive environment for our Athletes to grow both physically and personally by engaging in activities that impact athletic, social, and emotional development.
5760 Maple Canyon Avenue Columbus, OH 43229
A weekly, high-energy adaptive tennis and fitness program for children and adults with Down syndrome beginning as early as 5 years old.
Questions? Contact: ColumbusTennis@buforlife.org
880 West Henderson Rd. Columbus, OH 43214
An adaptive pickleball program for Athletes ages 12 and over, featuring pickleball instruction and ball control activities.
Questions? Contact: Columbuspickleball@buforlife.org
150 W. Main St., New Albany, OH 43054
An adaptive, fun, core-focused fitness class that emphasizes safety and proper technique for Athletes ages 12 and over.
Questions? Contact: jennifer@buforlife.org
5760 Maple Canyon Avenue Columbus, OH 43229
Buddy Up Fitness is a full body circuit workout program designed for our Athletes ages 12 and over.
Questions? Contact: Columbusfitness@buforlife.org
Ongoing weekly, engaging and interactive Zumba®, Kickboxing and Fitness class specially designed for individuals with Down syndrome ages 10+ to increase heart rate and confidence with a maximum of fun.
Questions? Contact: jennifer@buforlife.org
Ongoing weekly, engaging and interactive Zumba®, Kickboxing and Fitness class specially designed for individuals with Down syndrome ages 10+ to increase heart rate and confidence with a maximum of fun.
Questions? Contact: jennifer@buforlife.org
Ongoing weekly, engaging and interactive Zumba®, Kickboxing and Fitness class specially designed for individuals with Down syndrome ages 10+ to increase heart rate and confidence with a maximum of fun.
Questions? Contact: jennifer@buforlife.org
Ongoing weekly, engaging and interactive Zumba®, Kickboxing and Fitness class specially designed for individuals with Down syndrome ages 10+ to increase heart rate and confidence with a maximum of fun.
Questions? Contact: jennifer@buforlife.org
Ongoing weekly, engaging and interactive Zumba®, Kickboxing and Fitness class specially designed for individuals with Down syndrome ages 10+ to increase heart rate and confidence with a maximum of fun.
Questions? Contact: jennifer@buforlife.org
Ongoing weekly, engaging and interactive Zumba®, Kickboxing and Fitness class specially designed for individuals with Down syndrome ages 10+ to increase heart rate and confidence with a maximum of fun.
Questions? Contact: jennifer@buforlife.org
Ongoing weekly, engaging and interactive Zumba®, Kickboxing and Fitness class specially designed for individuals with Down syndrome ages 10+ to increase heart rate and confidence with a maximum of fun.
Questions? Contact: jennifer@buforlife.org
Ongoing weekly, engaging and interactive Zumba®, Kickboxing and Fitness class specially designed for individuals with Down syndrome ages 10+ to increase heart rate and confidence with a maximum of fun.
Questions? Contact: jennifer@buforlife.org
Ongoing weekly, engaging and interactive Zumba®, Kickboxing and Fitness class specially designed for individuals with Down syndrome ages 10+ to increase heart rate and confidence with a maximum of fun.
Questions? Contact: jennifer@buforlife.org
Empowering people with Down syndrome through adaptive Athletic and Life Skills programs focused on fostering Health & Wellness, Friendship, and Independence.
States
Chapters
Lives Impacted
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
Always show up. Always give your best. Always EXPECT MORE. ✨ #MondayMotivation
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #Downsyndrome #SpecialEducation
We’re celebrating a BIG honor for an even bigger champion of inclusive tennis! 🎾
Congratulations to Jennifer Wilcoxon, Buddy Up for Life’s Athletic Program Director, on being named a recipient of the USTA 35x35 President’s Impact Award! 🏆
This prestigious award recognizes 35 grassroots leaders, coaches, and organizations making a meaningful impact on the growth of tennis across the country, helping advance the USTA’s goal of reaching 35 million tennis players by 2035.
Jennifer has been instrumental in expanding Buddy Up Tennis nationally, creating more opportunities for people with Down syndrome to experience the confidence, friendship, and independence that shine through our program. 🌟
We couldn’t be more proud to see Jennifer’s leadership and impact recognized on a national stage. Congratulations, Jennifer! 💙
@usta @usopen
#BuddyUpforLife #BuddyUpTennis #ExpectMore #USOpen #Downsyndrome
Thank you, Kroger (@krogerco), for supporting Cooking for Life! 🍳
Through hands-on experience and personalized support, our program teaches Students with Down syndrome how to prepare delicious, healthy meals while building confidence and independence in the kitchen. 🧑🍳
Thank you for your partnership in helping us create more opportunities for people with Down syndrome to thrive. 💫
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #Cooking #Downsyndrome #Independence
Fall program sessions are beginning! 🎉 Are you signed up to attend?
We are so excited to share our new website and registration system are LIVE!
⭐️ Step 1: Create your account at BuddyUpforLife.ZipSignup.org
⭐️ Step 2: Register as a participant (Athlete) or volunteer (Buddy)
⭐️ Step 3: Search and sign up for program sessions at your local chapter
Find a chapter near you today through the link in bio! 🔗
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #Downsyndrome #AdaptiveSports #SpecialEducation
Programming at Buddy Up for Life gives our Athletes opportunities to build skills, grow their confidence, become more independent, and have FUN on the courts and in the gym! 👏✨
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #DSAwareness #DownSyndromeAwareness #Downsyndrome
It`s National Nonprofit Day! 💙💛
Today and every day, we`re celebrating everyone who makes our mission possible. Thank you for expecting more from individuals with Down syndrome and for believing in what`s possible.
Visit the link in our bio to support our mission. Every contribution helps make a difference in the lives of our Students and Athletes. ✨
#BuddyUpforLife #ExpectMore #DSAwareness #Downsyndrome #NationalNonprofitDay #Nonprofit
Summer Photo Dump! 📸
Swipe to see what we`ve been up to! ☀️
#ExpectMore #BuddyUpforLife #FunintheSun #Summer #DownSyndromeAwareness















