High-energy fitness and tennis program that builds coordination, confidence, and community through fun drills, match play, and team exercises.
Activities can be modified for every level of ability, from first-time racquet holders to those competing alongside typically developing peers. Athletes progress through court levels as they grow, with drills and games designed to refine motor planning skills, boost confidence, and build community.
Athletes are paired with dedicated Buddy volunteers who echo Coach instructions and adapt their support to each Athlete’s needs. Whether providing hand-over-hand racquet guidance or celebrating an ace with an enthusiastic high-five, Buddies create an environment where every player feels supported and celebrated.
Check your local chapter for specific clinic times and session details!
Athletes engage in circuit-style exercise stations and coordination drills designed to improve core strength, motor planning, and reaction time both on and off the court.
Athletes master groundstrokes, volleys, and serves through guided instruction and repetition. Modified match play teaches tennis fundamentals and strategy.
Buddies, Athletes, and Coaches cheer each other on, play together, and celebrate every achievement. Every session strengthens sportsmanship and community.
Login or create an account to sign up for programs, make payments, and see your upcoming sessions.
Carter absolutely loves tennis! He is an athletic person and he adores the time spent on the tennis courts with his coaches and peers. Buddy Up Tennis has improved his skills tremendously. At our IEP meeting, the Adaptive PE Teacher commented on how well Carter was doing, and credits Buddy Up Tennis as the main factor!
Deirdre, Athlete Parent
From one court to a nationwide movement. Discover the story of Buddy Up Tennis and Founders Beth & Will Gibson.
Course placement is subject to instructor discretion.
Build foundational communication skills including greetings, turn-taking, sharing information, and basic conversation structure.
Prerequisites: None
People Files
Learn how to gather, remember, and apply information about others as building blocks for friendship.
Prerequisites: Communication Fundamentals
OR (Same Level)
Social-Emotional Communication
Develop self-awareness and empathy by practicing flexible thinking and recognizing expected behaviors across a variety of social situations.
Prerequisites: Communication Fundamentals
Friendship Communication
Focus on developing and maintaining friendships, managing group interactions, and navigating common social challenges.
Prerequisites: People Files or Social-Emotional Communication
OR (Same Level)
Friendship Communication (25+)
Adult-focused instruction emphasizing boundaries, long-term relationships, and increased social independence.
Prerequisites: People Files or Social-Emotional Communication
Apply and adapt social skills to workplace settings to support employability, professionalism, and job retention.
Prerequisites: Friendship Communication or Friendship Communication (25+)
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.
The 2026 Buddy Up for Life Annual Benefit Gala was truly a night to remember! From moving, powerful speeches to an epic dance party, the evening was overflowing with joy and connection.
We are so proud to announce that our community rose to the occasion, helping us surpass our fundraising goal! This success ensures we can continue to support our Athletes as they unmask their potential!
In memory of dedicated Buddy volunteer, Jack Madison, we come together for a day of pickleball and camaraderie, embracing the spirit that continues to inspire us.
We embrace what it means to live with Down syndrome. Discover how we develop our best-in-class programs.
