Hundreds celebrate inclusion at the annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Champaign

Students, educators, and community members gathered for a day of connection, fun, and support for students of all abilities at Edison Middle School.

Woman and young girl craft colorful round badges at an outdoor community table.

Chambana TodayAttendees enjoyed a welcoming atmosphere where students of all abilities interacted, shared experiences, and demonstrated the power of belonging.

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Students, educators, and community members gathered to celebrate inclusion and connection at the annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk, a signature event promoting acceptance and leadership among students of all abilities. Hundreds of people of all abilities attended, coming from schools across the district as well as Urbana schools.

The interim Champaign Unit 4 superintendent, along with the Urbana superintendent, were present to show their support. Booths were set up for activities like giant Jenga, Connect Four, face-painting, and Kona Ice, making the event lively and fun for all attendees.

Hosted by Champaign Best Buddies, the walk took place on April 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Edison Middle School. The free event invited participants from local school districts to come together in support of programs that foster meaningful friendships and create more inclusive school environments.

Police officer in a dark uniform raises a hand among a group of children in orange jackets outdoors, with a brick building in the background.

Police officer interacting with a group of smiling kids at an outdoor community event, with a Best Buddies Friendship Walk banner in the background.

People stand outside a school entrance; a police officer salutes beside a smiling woman in a white blouse and another woman in a turquoise shirt.

Person stacking wooden blocks into a tall Jenga-style tower at an outdoor event, with a colorful Kona Ice truck and crowd in the background.

Outdoor street game setup with a large colorful board and pawns; cones and onlookers sit on steps nearby, sign reads 'Games'.

People face a long table of snacks and water bottles at an outdoor community event, with tents and a chain-link fence in the background.

Outdoor event scene with a long table draped in red and blue sports banners, volunteers in orange shirts behind it, and purple Best Buddies signage by a chain-link fence.

Group of people seated at a table under a red canopy at an outdoor event, near a chain-link fence on a sunny day

The Friendship Walk served as both a celebration and a showcase of the impact Best Buddies programs have on students. Through peer connections, participants built social skills, gained confidence, and developed leadership abilities that extended beyond the classroom. Organizers said the event offered a firsthand look at how inclusion can shape stronger, more connected communities.

Attendees enjoyed a welcoming atmosphere where students of all abilities interacted, shared experiences, and demonstrated the power of belonging. The event also highlighted opportunities for job readiness, independent living skills, and leadership development—key pillars of the Best Buddies mission.

The event was held at Edison Middle School, located at 306 W. Green St., and was open to the public at no cost.