Buddy Up Tennis is a high-energy, adaptive tennis and fitness program for individuals with Downs Syndrome. Recognized by the United States Tennis Association as the 2016 Adaptive Tennis Program of the Year, Buddy Up Tennis provides fun and rewarding 90-minute clinics on a weekly basis. Our mission is to provide individuals with Downs Syndrome - we call them Athletes - an enjoyable and supportive environment where they can learn and play tennis while engaging in activities that will improve their athletic, social and emotional development. Buddy Up Tennis began in Columbus, Ohio in 2008 and has since quickly grown nationwide. We are impacting and providing a strong future for our Athletes, their families, and all the Coaches and Buddies (volunteers from the community) involved with the program.

Buddy Up Tennis is designed to meet and overcome the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals with Downs Syndrome.  We strive to help them achieve success and reach their fullest potential through fitness and the sport of tennis. Individuals with Downs Syndrome are prone to experience physical and psychological health complications such as increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes; low muscle tone, looseness of ligaments and decreased core strength; atypical development of motor skills; high susceptibility to depression and anxiety; social withdrawal and challenges in behavioral activity.  With this in mind, the Buddy Up Tennis curriculum was created to improve upon the athletic, social and emotional development of individuals with Downs Syndrome and create an environment for them to succeed.

Some benefits of Buddy Up Tennis that we have seen tremendous results firsthand in our participants over the years include:

• Strengthen muscle tone, coordination and balance 

• Reduce body fat 

• Increase in energy level 

• Enhance mental alertness

• Develop structure and routine in a positive and friendly environment

• Faster reaction time 

• Lower resting heart rate and blood pressure 

• Foster friendships and expand social and emotional skills 

• Learn sportsmanship and team building

• Learn a lifelong sport that can be played with anyone, at any stage of life.

Buddy Up Tennis continues to both fill a void and to change lives because the program is making an immediate impact and yet at the same time, building a strong foundation for the future for everyone involved. The growth and awards for Buddy Up Tennis displays evidence for the need and benefits of this program. We continue to have requests to start our program in various cities throughout the United States and plan to explore these opportunities to make a difference in as many lives as possible.