High Fives and Higher Vibes: Best Buddies Walks Light Up Cities Across the World

Image Description: A vibrant crowd at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk cheers as a speaker in a blue t-shirt raises his hand in the air enthusiastically, surrounded by colorful murals, palm trees, and an energetic, inclusive atmosphere.

The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is a special event where people of all ages come together to support Best Buddies programs like Friendship, Jobs, Leadership, Inclusive Living, and Family Support. To help, people with and without IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) fundraise by asking friends, family, co-workers, and others to donate or join their team.

Each person creates a personal or team fundraising page and sets a goal. There are usually cool incentives, like Best Buddies shirts, sneakers, or tote bags. Most people hit their fundraising goal before the walk even starts!

On walk day, there are fun activities to kick things off, like bingo, bracelet making, drawing, and more. Then comes the opening ceremony with speeches, stretching, and a ribbon-cutting to start the walk. The walk itself is relaxed: everyone goes at their own pace, enjoying the scenery and chatting with their team or new friends. Volunteers cheer everyone on along the route, which is usually about 5 miles.

After the walk, there’s a closing ceremony where Best Buddies staff hand out awards. Some Best Buddies participants give speeches too, which is really inspiring. Then, everyone celebrates with music and dancing!

These walks happen all over the country and in other countries too. Each one takes place at a different time and location, but every walk is full of joy and friendship. Sometimes schools, companies, and even celebrities join in! It’s such a fun way to support inclusion and make new memories.

What makes the Friendship Walk so special is the way it brings people together. Whether you're walking for a friend, a sibling, a student, or yourself, you feel the love and support from every direction. It’s a reminder that inclusion isn't just a goal—it's a feeling that everyone deserves to experience.

Everyone should try a Best Buddies Friendship Walk: it’s an experience you’ll never forget!

In friendship, 

Amir Geva 

YLC Member, California