Best Buddies will hold ​its Friendship Walk in Concord on Saturday, May 10. Over 1,000 people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities are expected to gather to walk for inclusion and celebrate the international nonprofit organization’s mission of establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ​

The event will be held at the New Hampshire State House and will feature special guest James Day Keith, a Special Olympics athlete and actor who starred alongside Woody Harrelson in the hit film “Champions.” With “Champions 2” officially announced, 27-year-old Keith is taking time ahead of production to celebrate friendship, share his journey, and highlight why inclusive opportunities matter. He’ll be available for meet-and-greets and is excited to connect with community members and fellow advocates. 

“Speaking at a Friendship Walk gives me the opportunity to advocate for Best Buddies and all the terrific things they do while also encouraging all the walkers to be excited and have fun,” Keith said. “I’m hoping to share the benefits of Best Buddies, Friendship Walks and the importance of inclusion so everyone at the event can spread the word about all things Best Buddies.”

Best Buddies ​New Hampshire programs have impacted hundreds of thousands of ​Granite Staters​ in the past ten years,​ and the 2025 Friendship Walks are key fundraisers and awareness raisers in that effort.​​ 

Among those in attendance will be many buddy pairs, including Katelyn McKivergan and Sara Anselmo, who have been matched for a year and a half.

“Our friendship means so much to the both of us – whether we're texting or Facetiming or getting sushi, we always have fun,” said McKivergan, who serves as an ambassador for the organization. “We are there for each other no matter what – friendship means sticking together through the bad times and celebrating the good times with someone by your side.”

The Friendship Walk will feature opening ceremonies with inspiring speeches, fun zones, a DJ, dance parties, lunch and ice cream. 

Funds raised from the Friendship Walk are fundamental in supporting state and school programs that provide one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development in New Hampshire. New Hampshire residents are encouraged to join or donate to the Friendship Walk, and in doing so will be making New Hampshire more welcoming to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities — one friendship, one job, and one life-changing connection at a time. 

There is still time to register for and donate to the Friendship Walk. Additional information can be found here: https://www.bestbuddies.org/newhampshire/friendship-walk 

Here’s more information:

Concord Friendship Walk:  Saturday, May 10 at the New Hampshire State House

Check-in at 9 a.m.; Opening ceremonies: 10 a.m. 

Register: https://www.bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/concord/ 

This year’s Best Buddies Friendship Walk in New Hampshire sponsors and corporate partners include: New Hampshire Liquor Commission and Home Base Transportation 

For more information about the Best Buddies Friendship Walk, please contact Sara Anselmo at saraanselmo@bestbuddies.org or 978-995-7281.