An adaptive tennis program for kids and young adults with Down Syndrome is making roots right here in Clearwater.

Buddy Up Tennis is a national organization that's now holding eight-week sessions at the Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex. Each Saturday morning session is 90 minutes long, and has 30 minutes of organized fitness games and activities, followed by 60 minutes of tennis instruction with a team of coaches.

"It felt like magical," said Buddy Up athlete Sarah Davis after finishing the first session.

Each of the athletes is paired with the same buddy throughout the program. The buddy helps the athlete through each of the activities and encourages them along the way.

It was the perfect fit for Christine Gagnon's daughter Kaylee.

"She's learning, she's exercising, and she was having fun at the same time," Christine said.

The first session which began Saturday, will continue through December. Athletes are invited to join at any time and can enroll during the middle of the session.

For more information on how to sign up or volunteer to be a buddy visit: http://buddyuptennis.com/buddy-up-location-clearwater-florida/