Hi, my name is Addy, and this is Chris. We are from the Bonny Eagle Middle School Best Buddies program.

We have been matched for two years in Best Buddies and have done so many things together — Special Olympics, unified basketball, watching Elmo, and so much more.

We want people to know that every friendship looks different. In our friendship, our communication is different from friendships I have with other friends. Together, we find things we both enjoy and adapt our ways of playing.

Our communication looks like smiles, eye contact, a pat on his shoulder. Chris thinks it’s funny when I grab his hands and make him dance to his favorite songs.

I’ve learned things over time about Chris that help our communication to be successful. Just because someone does not speak doesn’t mean they cannot communicate. They have thoughts, opinions, and feelings just like us.

Chris is an amazing friend because he loves and appreciates me as much as I love and appreciate him. His friendship is unconditional, and we always find a way to make each other smile no matter what. He always greets me with a smile and I love that about him. And Chris really appreciates that I’m always there for him.

Chris notices others, and is happy when he sees them. Others notice Chris too. He’s a pretty cool guy. He also loves telling jokes.

“What did the ocean say to the beach? Nothing, it just waved.”

Just because someone can’t walk, talk, or do things the same way doesn’t mean you can’t connect with them. You just have to learn, adapt, and be open to the experience.

People often look at kids like Chris and only see the things they cannot do. This can result in meanness and people being left out. Getting involved with Best Buddies can help you realize there is so much more to each kid that you can learn as you take the time to get to know them.

Being more comfortable with people with disabilities, as well as those who are non-speaking, is so important. We hope more people can hear this message and take the time to be kind and learn more about their peers.

Thank you.

Addy and Christopher are students in the Best Buddies program at Bonny Eagle Middle School. They shared this speech at the 2026 Portland Friendship Walk in front of 900+ attendees.