As an organization, Best Buddies is approaching its Champion of the Year season! Champion of the Year is a string of fundraising campaigns organized by local Best Buddies staff and leadership. Each year individuals are nominated to campaign for Champion of the Year, within their state, alongside a mission partner. The champion candidates work to raise funds and promote the mission of Best Buddies throughout their two month campaign. A gala is hosted at the conclusion of the campaigns to celebrate all of the candidates’ hard work and to award the person who raises the most funds with the title, “Champion of the Year”.

Unified Sports create the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to connect with their peers on the athletic playing surface and are an excellent demonstration of inclusion. Unified Sports teams are composed of athletes with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their peers, fulfilling the role of Unified Partners. These teams can be found within large organizations such as the Special Olympics, at recreation centers, and in many high schools.