How did Swing into Spring get started?

I created the Swing into Spring event to help bring an adaptive tennis program to my community in New Hampshire. In 2017, I was watching a match between Djokovic and Alcott. They were playing wheelchair tennis ahead of the Australian Open and Djokovic was struggling mightily. It made me think about how I could help people with disabilities enjoy the sport I love. When I realized there were no adaptive tennis programs in my community, I decided to try and start one.

Buddy Up Tennis, a national non-profit providing adaptive tennis programs to people with Down syndrome, had programs in several states but none in New England. I spoke with Beth Gibson, founder and director of Buddy Up Tennis, about creating a fundraising event in my community. Positive Tracks – a non-profit that helps kids “sweat for good” – partnered with me to help organize it. And, RVC’s Tennis Director, Andrew Gunberg, encouraged me, and donated court and pro time. Local businesses, including Wilson Tire, Boloco and Lou’s, sponsored the event. The Upper Valley community came together to make it a huge success!

The 1st Swing into Spring raised over $8000 for Buddy Up Tennis and launched the first Buddy Up Tennis program in New England at our club. Now, 18 people with Down syndrome play adaptive tennis every week here. Our Upper Valley program won Buddy Up Tennis Location of the Year 2019 at the Annual Buddy Up Tennis Gala in Columbus, Ohio.

Thanks for supporting Swing into Spring 2019 to benefit Buddy Up Tennis!

–Gianluca Audia
Cardigan Mountain School ‘19

About Buddy Up Tennis

Buddy Up Tennis is a national non-profit providing adaptive tennis and fitness programs for people with Down syndrome in 23 different cities. Upper Valley Buddy Up Tennis programs are held on Saturdays at RVC in Lebanon, N.H.

Learn more at buddyuptennis.com