Carole and Sheridan are a NYC Citizens Match, but Best Buddies isn’t the only organization they are passionate about. Both of them love being a part of Achilles International! Achilles is an international organization that supports and empowers people of all ages with disabilities. Sheridan and Carole are both part of the Achilles NYC chapter where they meet weekly in Central Park for runs with other athletes and guides. Coincidentally, they were matched in Best Buddies before learning they both did Achilles, so now they get to spend time together doing their favorite thing: running. Carole has been an Achilles guide since last summer and has had the pleasure of meeting and running with several Achilles athletes and many of them have become friends.

Sheridan, meanwhile, is an Achilles veteran! She started with Achilles Kids in 2014 and has since graduated to the adult program. The very first day she ran with Achilles and received the signature bright yellow Achilles shirt, she was hooked. Now Sheridan has a “Guide Girl Gang,” which is a group of all her favorite guides and friends. “Sheridan and I have a lot in common, which is why we get along so well. We both love running, meeting new people, being in nature, and chatting, and Achilles really hits all four of those things. There’s nothing better than the feeling of going for a run and escaping the world for a bit. It’s great for your physical and mental health, and it’s even better when you run with a friend. Cold, hot, snow, rain, sleet, or ice, we love getting out the door and going for a run, especially with the Achilles community, which is supportive, uplifting, encouraging, and special.

On June 26th, we ran the Achilles Hope & Possibility Race in Central Park together, and not only did Sheridan run a personal best, but we had a blast running side by side and cheering for our Achilles family. We’re so grateful Best Buddies and Achilles brought us together and look forward to sharing many more miles and smiles.”

Would you like to learn more about how to be a part of the Citizen Program? Reach out to NewYork@bestbuddies.org.