Best Buddies is an International Program that started in United States, but wasn’t introduced to Canada till the year 1995. Best Buddies is a friendship program that pairs people with intellectual disabilities with other students. There are Best Buddies Chapters found all over the world, in Universities, High Schools and Middle Schools. Parkside’s chapter started in 2009, with only five people. Currently there are more then twenty people at Parkside that are associated with the exciting program. We do all different kinds of activities, from going to the movies, bowling and as well we had the pleasure of having the Mayor of Hamilton, Bob Bratina come in for a short visit. The visit was a lot of fun, we had a presentation about what Best Buddies is by a power point. We also had the honor of hearing from two Best Buddies members, Kodi and Koni about their friendship that means everything to them. Eventually, we did take pictures with the mayor and we introduced ourselves to him, which made us feel special. In Best Buddies we value the gift of friendship that happens between not just two people but also can take place in a large group. We have a lot of fun every Thursday, playing games/sports in the gym. We play a lot of different sports such as basketball, baseball and dodge ball. Not only are we known in the school as a great program, but we have had a few members go out and speak about the program at our school. We have spoken at the board level, an Horse Show, and at a Awards Dinner. As well as we do have someone in our group has and had the pleasure of representing Candada at an International Conference last summer, as well as this coming summer. Best Buddies means a lot to us at Parkside, it has changed the school, it has become a more positive and enjoyable school to attend every single day. So come on out and join our fun!
Teacher Advisor: Mrs. Young
Room: 214 and Gym
