The Redhawks Best Buddies Chapter is joining with all the other chapters in North Texas at the Rough Riders Stadium on Saturday at 10 a.m. to celebrate inclusion and recognize outstanding individuals in the Best Buddies program through the Friendship Walk.

“The Friendship Walk is really important because it raises awareness about inclusion,” sophomore Jacinda Ward said. “I think it’s really cool that we all get to come together and just celebrate being together, you know? It’s such a positive environment.” 

Liberty alumni Zosh Shearer has been attending the Friendship Walk for five years, and is looking forward to seeing old friends at this weekend’s event.

“I’m excited for the Friendship Walk!” Shearer said. “I love seeing all of my friends and buddies and I’m excited for the walk too.”

At the walk, participants have the opportunity to not only meet other Best Buddies friends, but visit different food trucks, make various crafts, and play mini games.

“My favorite part is talking with my friends, walking, and having a great time,” Shearer said. “And also having food as well.”

Each school has a tent that they can decorate in friendly competition with other schools; many include mini games, free candy and other handouts, and positive posters that participants carry during the actual walk around the stadium.

The Friendship Walk also serves as a fundraiser for the various Best Buddies Chapters and the organization as a whole. The Liberty Chapter is currently ranked as the #1 fundraising group in the area, with almost $3,500 in funds being raised so far. These donations will be used at future events to continue to raise awareness about inclusion.

“I went last year and it was just so fun,” Ward said. “We stood with our buddies and handed out friendship bracelets and it was really cool meeting other members of Best Buddies from different schools. The posters were so cute and it was fun decorating our tent.”