Celebrating Best Buddies Bolivia: A Landmark Recognition for Inclusion

Three people dressed in formal evening attire stand together at an awards event. On the left, a woman in a black one-shoulder gown with silver geometric patterns smiles while holding a metallic trophy shaped like an abstract flame. In the center, a man wearing a dark pinstripe suit, light blue shirt, and pale yellow tie stands with a calm expression. On the right, another person wearing glasses and a dark blue suit smiles warmly at the camera. Behind them is a white step-and-repeat backdrop featuring soft, repeating logos. The atmosphere suggests celebration and recognition at a formal ceremony.

JULY 18TH, 2025 Best Buddies Bolivia has been awarded its first Premio Maya of the Bicentennial—the highest public honor granted in the country. This distinction is far more than an award; it is a powerful acknowledgment of years of dedication to social and workplace inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For Best Buddies Bolivia, this moment represents the collective effort of a community united by the belief that every person deserves opportunity, dignity, and belonging. The recognition celebrates not only the organization’s impact but also the transformative relationships it fosters—connections that change lives, challenge stigma, and create pathways toward a more equitable Bolivia.

The organization extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this mission: buddies, volunteers, mentors, allies, and the Premio Maya committee for highlighting that inclusion is a form of excellence worthy of national celebration.

A special tribute goes to Vice President Ana Tapia, who accepted the award on behalf of the entire team. Her leadership, passion, and commitment continue to embody the courage and hope that drive Best Buddies Bolivia forward.

This milestone serves as a reminder of what is possible when a community comes together with purpose. Through collaboration, compassion, and persistence, inclusion stops being an aspiration and becomes a lived reality. Best Buddies Bolivia’s achievement is not just a win for the organization—but a win for the country and for the future of a more inclusive society.

For additional information about Best Buddies Bolivia or how to get involved, please visit www.bestbuddies.org/bolivia.

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.