Miami, FL, March 12, 2024 — The Miami Heat held a Best Buddies Night for participants of Best Buddies in Florida, the state subsidiary 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), on March 10th when they took on the Washington Wizards. 160 Best Buddies participants attended the game, with the Heat donating a portion of ticket sales to Best Buddies.

The Heat recognized Best Buddies’ efforts to spread inclusion throughout the game. Best Buddies participants could be seen sharing the Best Buddies mission before the game and during breaks with a dedicated table, and a Best Buddies video was played during a pause in the action. Participants were also invited to take photos with one of the Heat’s championship trophies before the game. After the game, participants were invited onto the floor to shoot a free throw.

“It is an honor to team up with the Miami Heat for this wonderful event,” Nicole Maddox, the vice president of communications for Best Buddies International, said. “They are all so supportive of our mission of inclusion and work hard to put on a wonderful evening for our participants, supporters and volunteers. It was truly an unforgettable night!”