The 26th Annual Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port Presented By Jersey Mike’s Subs, Shaw’s And Star Market Foundation And The TJX Companies, Inc. Raises More Than $4 Million To Support People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities
Boston, June 3, 2025 – This year, over 1,000 people participated in the 26th Annual Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port, presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs, Shaw’s and Star Market Foundation and The TJX Companies, Inc. More, a cycling, run and walk fundraiser from Boston to Hyannis Port, May 30 -31. The Challenge raised more than $4 million in total donations for Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Drake Maye, the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and New England Patriots Quarterback, served as Honorary Chair.
The Challenge kicked off on Friday, May 30 with a private dinner reception at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum in Boston. On Saturday, May 31, hundreds of cyclists, including Tour de France Champion Mark Cavendish, Professional Cyclist Cam Wurf, and British Paralympic Cyclist Archie Atkinson took to the start line at the JFK Library for the picturesque 100-mile ride portion of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port, from Boston to Hyannis Port. The Challenge is open to participants of all ages and abilities and is designed to showcase the Best Buddies mission in action. It also features alternative 55 and 20-mile cycling routes, and a 5K run or walk option. Other notable guests in attendance at the Challenge included Las Vegas Knights Pro Hockey Player and Best Buddies Board Member Jack Eichel; Boston Red Sox’ Triston Casas, and Former Boston Bruins Player Zdeno Chára.
“The Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port embodies the passion, heart, and spirit of our mission. Nearly three decades since it began, the energy, excitement, and the heart behind every rider, volunteer, and supporter continue to inspire us—and it’s what makes us look forward to coming together to celebrate at this incredible event year after year,” said Anthony K. Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. “Even when the weather does not cooperate, one thing remains constant: our mission. Every mile of this ride was for the Buddies. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who deserve opportunity, friendship, and inclusion every day. That’s what this community is all about.”
This year’s Challenge sponsors include: Presenting Sponsors Jersey Mike’s Subs, Shaw’s and Star Market Foundation and The TJX Companies, Inc.; Hyannis Port Club Sponsors BODYARMOR – The Official Water & Sports Beverage Partner of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port, WHDH/Channel 7; Cape Club Sponsors The Coca-Cola Company – The Official Beverage Partner of Best Buddies, Group 1 Automotive, Planned Lifetime Assistance Network (PLAN) of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc., and Volvo Car USA; Craigville Beach Club Sponsors Analog Devices, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, MAPFRE Insurance, Morgan Stanley, Mark Edward Partners, Sevita, Teddie Peanut Butter, Turkish Airlines, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Media Sponsor WHDH/Channel 7 – The Official Media Sponsor of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port; Official Bike Sponsor Pinarello; In-Kind Sponsors John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, M.S. Walker, and Heineken Americas – The Official Beer Sponsor of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port.
About Best Buddies
Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ 12 formal programs — Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters, Transitions, Inclusive Living and Eunie’s Buddies— engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 45 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly one million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit bestbuddies.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
For media inquiries (including requests for credentials):
Nicole Maddox
NicoleMaddox@bestbuddies.org