More than 50 cyclists and over 300 supporters come together in Aspen to advance inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

ASPEN, Colo. (July 10, 2026) – On Thursday, July 2, Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), successfully hosted its inaugural Best Buddies Challenge: Aspen Charity Bike Ride & Champion of the Year Gala, raising $1.6 million to support its life-changing mission.

The day began with the inaugural Best Buddies Challenge: Aspen, a scenic charity bike ride starting and ending at the St. Regis Aspen Resort. More than 50 cyclists, including professional cyclist Cam Wurf, Best Buddies supporters, community leaders, and advocates, rode through the picturesque Roaring Fork Valley on either a 74-mile or 40-mile course, helping raise critical funds and awareness for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The celebration continued that evening with the inaugural Best Buddies Champion of the Year: Aspen Gala at the St. Regis Aspen Resort, where more than 300 participants, sponsors, philanthropists, business leaders, and community supporters gathered for an elegant evening of dinner, entertainment, and a premier auction in support of Best Buddies' mission.

“The inaugural Best Buddies Challenge: Aspen showcased the very best of our organization by bringing together supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for an unforgettable weekend rooted in purpose, community, and impact,” said Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. “There was no better place to celebrate America's 250th anniversary while riding for such a meaningful cause. We're incredibly grateful to the more than 50 cyclists, over 300 Champion of the Year Gala guests, our generous sponsors, and everyone who helped raise $1.6 million in support of our mission. Every mile ridden and every dollar raised create life-changing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build meaningful friendships, secure fulfilling jobs, develop leadership skills, and live fuller, more connected lives.”

Funds raised from the inaugural Best Buddies Challenge: Aspen will support Best Buddies programs that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by creating opportunities for meaningful friendships, competitive employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support in communities around the world.

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.