BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Best Buddies Flag Football Showdown is about much more than competition.
It's about teaching people about the game, but more importantly, teaching people about inclusion.
The annual event pairs peer buddies and people with disabilities. They are divided into two teams that compete. Members of the Buffalo State football team serve as mentors.
Instead of selling tickets, organizers accept donations that are given to Best Buddies New York to fund new chapters and programs for those with special needs.
Best Buddies is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver. The group's mission is to establish a global volunteer movement while creating friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.