EP 29 - History & Impact of Best Buddies International

Guest Bio: Anthony K. Shriver, Anthony K. Shriver is the Founder & Chairman of Best Buddies International

Anthony K. Shriver is the Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, which he created in 1989 to foster one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual disabilities.

Recognizing the tremendous volunteer potential of university students, Shriver first inspired his college peers to personally collaborate in expanding the realm of opportunities that persons with intellectual disabilities should experience.

Today, through Shriver’s stewardship and entrepreneurial spirit, Best Buddies® has grown into a leading nonprofit entity with increasing international reach across six continents, establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Best Buddies is comprised of eight programs that positively impacts more than 1.1 million individuals with and without disabilities worldwide. The organization is active in each of the 50 United States, and operates accredited international programs in nearly 50 countries.

Best Buddies is also systematically implementing its 2020 Initiative that will witness the organization’s continued significant growth, both domestically and overseas.

A graduate of Georgetown University, Shriver has been recognized for his work on behalf of Best Buddies with diverse international accolades and honorary degrees.