Best Buddies International Launches Programs in North Macedonia Through Partnership with Foundation Ice Begov

Best Buddies participants and supporters cross the starting line of an outdoor Friendship Walk as colorful confetti fills the air. — Participants celebrate inclusion and solidarity at the No Finish Line Skopje Inclusive Race, organized with support from the “Ice Begov” Foundation to benefit Kozle Children’s Hospital

Miami, FL / Skopje, North Macedonia – September 16, 2026

Best Buddies International, the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), proudly announces the launch of Best Buddies North Macedonia. This exciting expansion further strengthens Best Buddies’ growing global network and brings its mission of friendship, inclusion, and opportunity to communities across North Macedonia.

The launch is made possible through a partnership with Foundation Ice Begov, a Skopje-based nonprofit and humanitarian organization dedicated to supporting people with disabilities and other vulnerable and marginalized communities. Through humanitarian initiatives, volunteer engagement, and inclusive community activities, Foundation Ice Begov works to break down barriers and create opportunities for people of all abilities to participate fully in their communities. Its work includes Run Together, an inclusive initiative that brings people with and without disabilities together through sport, solidarity, and community.

The initial phase of Best Buddies North Macedonia will focus on implementing Best Buddies Friendship programs in schools and communities. Through school-based Friendship programs, students with and without IDD will have opportunities to build meaningful one-to-one friendships, develop leadership skills, and create more inclusive school communities. The Best Buddies Citizens program will extend these opportunities beyond schools, matching adults with and without IDD in one-to-one friendships and creating lasting connections within their communities.

“At Best Buddies, we believe friendship is the foundation of inclusion,” said Anthony K. Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. “Launching Best Buddies in North Macedonia is an exciting step forward for our global movement. Through our partnership with Foundation Ice Begov, we have an opportunity to create meaningful connections between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, strengthen inclusive communities, and build a future where everyone has the opportunity to belong.”

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Best Buddies International and bring its Friendship programs to North Macedonia,” shared Snežana Saramandova of Foundation Ice Begov. “Our work has always been rooted in bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and creating a community where everyone feels valued and included. Through Best Buddies, we look forward to creating new friendships in our schools and communities and giving people with and without disabilities more opportunities to connect, learn from one another, and experience a true sense of belonging.”

Best Buddies International continues to expand its global movement by partnering with local leaders and organizations that share a commitment to inclusion and belonging. The launch of Best Buddies North Macedonia represents an important step forward in creating sustainable opportunities for friendship, connection, and community inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout North Macedonia and the broader region.

For more information about Best Buddies International and its global programs, please visit www.bestbuddies.org.