CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Students, educators, and community members will gather this week to celebrate inclusion and connection at the annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk, a signature event promoting acceptance and leadership among students of all abilities.

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

The Friendship Walk serves as both a celebration and a showcase of the impact Best Buddies programs have on students. Through peer connections, participants build social skills, gain confidence, and develop leadership abilities that extend beyond the classroom. Organizers say the event offers a firsthand look at how inclusion can shape stronger, more connected communities.

Attendees can expect a lively, welcoming atmosphere where students of all abilities interact, share experiences, and demonstrate the power of belonging. The event also highlights opportunities for job readiness, independent living skills, and leadership development—key pillars of the Best Buddies mission.

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