Toronto, Ontario – August 13, 2025 – From July 18–21, 2025, more than 2,400 student leaders, volunteers, and advocates from around the world gathered at Indiana University for the annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference. During the event, the Best Buddies in Canada was honored with the 2025 International Program of the Year Award, recognizing their exceptional efforts in fostering inclusion and friendship for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Selected from among 41 Best Buddies programs globally, Best Buddies in Canada stood out for its dedication and impact.
This year’s conference theme, “Wickedly Inclusive,” infused the weekend with bold, magical energy celebrating leadership, connection, and the power of inclusive communities. The conference celebrated the incredible impact volunteers with and without IDD have made in the world as a result of their leadership. Attendees received lessons from global leaders in the disability rights movement; watched inspiring performances; witnessed moving testimonies; and attended compelling and empowering leadership sessions.
Best Buddies International is a groundbreaking nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Best Buddies in Canada, which has over 20,000 participants, was started in 1994. Best Buddies in Canada currently operates 462 chapters in middle schools, high schools, and colleges.
The conference featured an exciting lineup of special guests who shared their talent, stories, and commitment to inclusion:
- Abbie Stockard – Miss America 2025
- Kinley Shoemaker – Miss Indiana 2025
- Tanner Smith – Reality star from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum
- Garin Flowers – TV host & former Bachelorette contestant
- Echo Picone – Singer, Actress and Social Media Influencer
- Riki Stevens – Singer and Actress
- Marlana Vanhoose – Acclaimed musician and Best Buddies Global Ambassador
- Lisa Smith – Renowned sign language performer and Best Buddies Global Ambassador
- David Burnham – Broadway performer and advocate
- Richard Goodall – America’s Got Talent Season 19 winner (2024)
- Billy Blanks, Jr. – Fitness expert and wellness influencer
- Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders
- Cirque Indiana
Highlights from the “Wickedly Inclusive” Weekend
Attendees experienced a weekend packed with powerful moments, including:
- Opening Ceremonies – A high-energy Friday night kickoff with live performances and motivational speakers.
- Workshops & Trainings – Hands-on sessions focused on leadership, advocacy, fundraising, and creating inclusive communities.
- The Best Buddies Friendship Walk – Held Saturday night at Assembly Hall, where participants walked in unity for inclusion.
- Keynote Addresses – Delivered by global disability advocates and Best Buddies Ambassadors who inspired with their messages of resilience and leadership.
- Networking Opportunities – Students and leaders from around the world connected, shared ideas, and built lasting friendships.
- The Wickedly Inclusive Dance Party – A joyful and welcoming celebration where everyone hit the dance floor.
The Best Buddies Leadership Conference inspired and energized the students and volunteers as they witnessed the positive changes being made across the globe and the ways their friendships have changed lives. Conference attendees left more motivated to make the world a more inclusive place for people with IDD. The event was live streamed, showcasing the amazing performances, speakers, and education sessions that took place this year.
ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL:
Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,800 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ programs engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 43 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly 1.5 million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org, facebook.com/bestbuddies or instagram.com/bestbuddies.