Columbus, Ohio, April 1, 2026 — Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through opportunities for friendship, employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support, is excited to announce the Best Buddies Friendship Walk 2026. The event will happen on Sunday, April 26, outside COSI in Downtown Columbus. The Friendship Walk is one of Best Buddies’ biggest annual fundraising efforts, with walks taking place throughout the spring at chapters across the country.

“It has been truly special to see this event grow each year, and get more and more community members involved. That said, there are many more people who’ve yet to be reached by these efforts, so continuing to expand our ability to help those in need is an essential goal. The Friendship Walk is a huge driver in expanding that reach,” said Catlin Skufca, State Director at Best Buddies in Ohio.

Best Buddies in Ohio welcomes hundreds of participants who will walk for inclusion, aiming to surpass the 2025 record-breaking fundraising total. Independent walkers, community organizations, and schools from Central Ohio compete in a friendly and inspiring challenge to raise funding and awareness for Best Buddies—and, most importantly, for people of all abilities in need of support and connection.

Friendship Walk Schedule

• Registration: 12:30 PM
• Opening Ceremonies: 1:15 PM
• Walk Commences: 1:45 PM
• Celebration Ends: 3:00 PM

The walk route begins behind COSI, along the Scioto River. The full walk is one mile, but participants are welcome to complete whatever distance and pace feel comfortable for them.

As participants reach the finish line, they will be welcomed into a celebration featuring games, a DJ, dancing, poster designing, bracelet making, and more. The event is designed to excite children and adults, with and without IDD, and is open to all. Proceeds from the Friendship Walk support vital state programs that offer one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support.

To attend, register here. If you cannot participate, donations are still appreciated! There are also multiple sponsorship levels for those wishing to partner with this beloved community event. For more information, contact Best Buddies in Ohio’s State Director, Catlin Skufca, at CatlinSkufca@bestbuddies.org.

Walk for inclusion. Walk for friendship. Walk for a better Ohio.

About Best Buddies International

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 has grown from one original chapter to over 4,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies programs engage participants in all 50 states and 41 countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 1.5 million people with and without disabilities globally.

As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with IDD often secure rewarding jobs, live independently, become inspirational leaders, and form lifelong friendships. For more information, visit www.bestbuddies.org, facebook.com/bestbuddies or instagram.com/bestbuddies.

Current Sponsors for the 2026 Friendship Walk: Columbus

• Friends & Family of Daniel Livshin
• Boundless Health
• Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities
• Boland & Associates
• KEMBA Financial Credit Union

For more information about the Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Columbus or for media inquiries, please contact:
Catlin Skufca
614.928.3383
CatlinSkufca@bestbuddies.org