Minnesota Vikings’ Harrison Phillips Gives Best Buddies in Minnesota Participants Exclusive Game Day Experience
Minneapolis, MN, Feb. 5, 2024 — Nineteen participants from Best Buddies in Minnesota, the state branch of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), were gifted an exclusive gameday experience with Minnesota Vikings’ defensive tackle Harrison Phillips when the Vikings played the Detroit Lions on Christmas Eve.
Phillips and the Vikings gave these Best Buddies participants the football experience of a lifetime: the group watched the game from a luxury suite, got a visit from the Vikings’ mascot and cheerleaders, and met with Phillips on the field after to the game. Five participants, including Best Buddies Global Ambassador and model Mikayla Holmgren, led the Vikings’ traditional “Skol” chant to start the second half.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Minnesota Vikings for their continued partnership in providing these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for our participants,” Katey DeMarais, the state director for Best Buddies in Minnesota, said. “Everyone was proud to sport their Harrison Phillips gear, and a few of our participants even made custom shirts to cheer him on.”
Phillips has long been a supporter of Best Buddies. He has made friends through the organization and has included Best Buddies participants in other ventures he has undertaken, like in his recent collaboration with Hippy Feet.
To get involved with Best Buddies in Minnesota, click here.
About Best Buddies
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 3,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ 12 formal programs — Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters, Transitions, Inclusive Living and Eunie’s Buddies— engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 45 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly one 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 bestbuddies.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Media Inquiries
Best Buddies International
Nicole Maddox
Vice President, Communications
NicoleMaddox@Bestbuddies.org
