LET’S PLAY!

Within our Health and Wellness Pillar, the Buddy Up Tennis program is a weekly high-energy adaptive tennis and fitness program for children and adults with Down Syndrome ages 5+ (our oldest Athlete is approaching 55!). We enable our Athletes to flourish, succeed, and reach their fullest potential by providing a unique environment that combines tennis, fitness, and social activities through our weekly 90-minute clinics consisting of 30 minutes of fitness conditioning and 60 minutes of professional tennis instruction.

Athletes are partnered with our volunteer Buddies to provide support, develop friendships, and reinforce the Coaches’ instructions. Coaches are trained to implement the tennis curriculum specifically created for our Athletes with Down syndrome.

We develop brave athletes on the court with the self-worth and confidence to conquer their challenges and achieve their fullest potential off the court.

“Buddy Up Tennis helped Walter lose over 30 pounds! He continues to do the exercises at home every morning that he learns at clinic. This program even helped him land a part-time job as a Desk Manager Assistant at the Kettering Tennis Center where Buddy Up Tennis is held!”

~Carolyn (Athlete Parent)

“The encouraging atmosphere is the best part of Buddy Up Tennis. I love to play with the Athletes and help them build confidence and have a great time.I wish everyone at my school would take advantage of this opportunity, because it is my favorite part of the week!”

~ Samantha (Buddy)