[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 3443-3444]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING BEST BUDDIES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 7, 2007

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I would like to call your attention 
to Best Buddies, an organization founded the same year I was first 
elected to Congress, in 1989. If Best Buddies has one message, it can 
be articulated by its founder, Anthony K. Shriver, who lives in Miami 
and has stated ``that every person has a gift. And that every person 
can contribute.'' This message is emblematic of what makes America 
successful and, in turn, has made Best Buddies a thriving international 
organization serving thousands of deserving individuals every year.
  The main concept behind this organization is simple, yet profoundly 
effective. Best Buddies establishes one-on-one friendships between 
people with and without intellectual disabilities. This simple concept 
allows those who are often excluded because of their differences, the 
opportunity to engage socially and become integrated into society. Best 
Buddies' efforts in our communities are commendable and I encourage all 
Americans to embrace this organization, its ideals and initiatives.
  Best Buddies also opens doors and provides opportunities for people 
with disabilities. Through the support of this organization, many

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are able to attain jobs allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes and 
work alongside others in our workforce. For students, Best Buddies' 
initiatives at schools and colleges are helping the intellectually 
disabled integrate socially with their peers. In the past, many were 
often separated into special education classes making their social life 
somewhat isolated. To address this issue, Best Buddies has established 
several programs at different levels, from Best Buddies Middle Schools 
and a Peer Buddy system in High Schools, to Best Buddies Colleges. All 
three programs use the founding principles of this organization, 
allowing students with and without intellectual disabilities to create 
friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime.
  The success of Best Buddies can be attributed to the indelible 
experiences, not only for those with intellectual disabilities, but for 
the many volunteers and buddies involved with this tremendous program. 
I am proud that the main headquarters is located in South Florida, in 
my Congressional district, and I look forward to supporting Best 
Buddies as it continues to grow and positively affect so many lives.

                          ____________________