The Power of the Best Buddies Friendship Walk

The Best Buddies Friendship Walk was created in honor of Rosemary Kennedy, aunt of Best Buddies founder and Chairman Anthony Kennedy Shriver. Rosemary Kennedy had an intellectual disability and lived her life with dignity and courage. The strength Rosemary displayed throughout her life inspired Anthony to start Best Buddies International in 1989. The walk symbolizes her legacy and our participants' commitment to the Best Buddies mission of friendship.

The Power of Community Teams

The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is a fun, community walk that raises money for our Best Buddies programs. Encourage your family, friends and coworkers to be a part of a team. Businesses and organizations have an opportunity to sponsor as well as form their own teams! There is no registration fee, simply register online. If you raise at least $50.00, you will receive a souvenir walk day shirt! If you can't attend the walk, you can make a donation through this website or mail a donation through this website to your local Best Buddies office.

The Power of Corporate Partners

By joining with Best Buddies, you will enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment. Your corporate participation will have a long-lasting effect on you and your employees. Change a Life, One Step at a Time.

The Power of Commitment

For more than half a century, the Kennedy Family has been at the forefront of global efforts to support people with intellectual disabilities. Starting with family matriarch Rose Kennedy, the Kennedys have always been strong proponents of helping individuals with intellectual disabilities, who for years were shut away, powerless to change society's negative perception of them.

President John F. Kennedy founded the first President's Committee on Mental Retardation. He also welcomed a person with intellectual disabilities to the White House, thus becoming the first head of state anywhere in the world to receive a person with intellectual disabilities as an official guest. His sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, is the founder and driving force of the Special Olympics. Mrs. Shriver serves as a board member of Best Buddies International. Her husband, Sargent Shriver, first Director of the Peace Corps, has been active supporter of Best Buddies for many years.

Anthony Kennedy Shriver continues the Kennedy commitment to people with intellectual disabilities through his establishment and leadership of Best Buddies International.