Boston, May 27, 2025 – Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is pleased to announce that New England Patriots Quarterback and Best Buddies Global Ambassador Drake Maye will serve as Honorary Chair of the 26th Annual Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port, presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs, Shaw’s and Star Market Foundation and The TJX Companies, Inc. More than 1,500 people are expected to participate in the Challenge – a charity ride, run, and walk to benefit Best Buddies International.

“Best Buddies is thrilled to celebrate this year’s Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port with New England Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye returning as our Honorary Chair,” said Anthony K. Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. “Drake has been an outstanding advocate for individuals with IDD, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to our event. We’re excited to continue growing this meaningful partnership as we work together to advance our mission for years to come.”

The Challenge kicks off on Friday, May 30 with a reception at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. On Saturday, May 31, hundreds of cyclists, including Tour de France Champion Mark Cavendish – and professional cyclist Cam Wurf will take the starting line at the JFK Library for the picturesque 100-mile ride portion of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port, from Boston to Hyannis Port. The Challenge is open to participants of all ages and abilities and is designed to showcase the Best Buddies mission in action. It also features alternative 55 and 20-mile cycling routes, and a 5K run or walk option.

During the Challenge, Drake will interact with fans and supporters of Best Buddies at each of the weekend’s festivities, including a New England-style clambake and a private concert at Craigville Beach. Drake will also play golf with some of Best Buddies’ top supporters at the Hyannis Port Golf Club, capping off a weekend filled with fun, friendship and inclusion in support of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

To join Team Drake Maye, please register HERE.

This year’s Challenge sponsors include: Presenting Sponsors Jersey Mike’s Subs, Shaw’s and Star Market Foundation and The TJX Companies, Inc.; Hyannis Port Club Sponsors BODYARMOR – The Official Water & Sports Beverage Partner of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port, WHDH/Channel 7; Cape Club Sponsors The Coca-Cola Company – The Official Beverage Partner of Best Buddies, Group 1 Automotive, Planned Lifetime Assistance Network (PLAN) of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc., and Volvo Car USA; Craigville Beach Club Sponsors Analog Devices, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, MAPFRE Insurance, Morgan Stanley, Mark Edward Partners, Sevita, Teddie Peanut Butter, Turkish Airlines, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Media Sponsor WHDH/Channel 7 – The Official Media Sponsor of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port; Official Bike Sponsor Pinarello; In-Kind Sponsors John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, M.S. Walker, and Heineken Americas – The Official Beer Sponsor of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port.

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.

For media inquiries (including requests for credentials):
Nicole Maddox
NicoleMaddox@bestbuddies.org