Dallas Athlete Ryan Walsh (13) may be new to the courts, but he is not new to the sports arena! Ryan enjoys many sports. “I play football on my middle school team, and basketball with Special Olympics, and I have played baseball since I was four years old!” he said. But on Sunday, March 24th, Ryan was introduced to tennis through the 22nd Buddy Up Tennis Location launch in Dallas at Lifetime Tennis Center. He loved it so much, he was even practicing the day after he first hit the courts!
Check out Kristin Walsh’s (Ryan’s mom) perspective on Buddy Up Tennis and Ryan’s involvement:
“Ryan has always loved sports. He’s not always a gracious loser, but his competitive nature is a character trait that serves him well, especially when it comes to perseverance. We’ve been fortunate to live in a place with opportunities for him to participate in sports with typically developing peers as well as those with special needs. As a seventh grader, Ryan is also active in Boy Scouts, and has been involved with scouting since he was in first grade. He loves the monthly campouts with his troop!
“As parents, we are especially excited about all that Buddy Up Tennis offers. The focus on fitness is such an important element, and Buddy Up Tennis makes it fun. Ryan is excited to be learning a new sport, and we are impressed with the high level of expectations and opportunities for the Athletes. Ryan has been paired with a great Buddy: Brenda. We are all looking forward to lots of court time in the years to come. Thankful the program has come to Dallas!”