For Matt, Best Buddies has been about much more than attending events, it has been about building meaningful friendships, trying new activities, and being part of a community.

Matt is a longtime Best Buddies participant who was previously involved with the University of Delaware chapter. Today, he is a proud member of the Citizens chapter, which he joined in 2022. In January 2023, Matt was matched with his buddy, Cody, beginning a friendship that has continued to grow ever since.

Since becoming buddies, Matt and Cody have made plenty of memories together. They enjoy attending Best Buddies group events, where they spend time with other participants and buddy pairs while taking part in fun activities like walking at Longwood Gardens, bowling, attending a UD sporting events and more! But some of their favorite moments happen when they are simply spending time together as a buddy pair.

Whether they are grabbing something to eat, playing a round of putt-putt, seeing a movie, or finding another activity to enjoy, Matt and Cody always find ways to have a great time. Their friendship has given them opportunities to get out into the community, try new things, and create memories along the way.

Beyond his own friendship with Cody, Matt is also a fierce advocate for Best Buddies and its mission. He is always spreading the word about the organization and encouraging new members to get involved. Matt understands the power of friendship firsthand and wants everyone to have the opportunity to experience the benefits that meaningful friendships can bring.

Cody has become such a great addition to Matt’s life, and their friendship is a wonderful example of the connections Best Buddies can help create. Their relationship shows that friendship can grow through both big group experiences and simple moments shared one-on-one.

One of Matt and Cody’s favorite adventures was seeing the movie Champions. This is a film featuring actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Matt especially enjoyed the champion speech at the end and shared that he hopes there will be more movies like it in the future.

From Best Buddies events to food, putt-putt, movies, and everything in between, Matt and Cody continue to make memories while sharing the power of friendship with others!