SAN ANTONIO — The Best Buddies organization will hold its Friendship Walk on Saturday, Sept. 29, at Morgan’s Wonderland.

Best Buddies is an international, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Best Buddies is relatively new to San Antonio, and we’re looking forward to bringing together those with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, to make connections and form phenomenal friendships,” Ashlynn Bridges, Best Buddies Texas program manager said. “It’s the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with IDD.  

“The theme park is delighted to serve as a focal point where Best Buddies can come together and build lasting relationships in our atmosphere of inclusion,” Ron Morander, Morgan’s Wonderland general manager said.

Awards will be presented to the participants, and walkers that raise $50 or more for Best Buddies will receive a Friendship Walk t-shirt. To register, visit the Best Buddies website.

“Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers; securing successful jobs; living independently; improving public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills; and feeling valued by societym” Bridges said.

The only theme park of its kind in the world, Morgan’s Wonderland offers more than 25 attractions including wheelchair-accessible rides, playgrounds and gardens for everyone’s enjoyment.  

Anthony Kennedy Shriver founded the original Best Buddies Chapter at Georgetown University in 1987. The Best Buddies became America’s first national, unified, social and recreational program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The first three Best Buddies programs in Texas were organized in fall 1991, and since then, Best Buddies has expanded to 95 school programs around the state.