The Best Buddies programs at Fox Lane High School continue to showcase the power of inclusion, friendship, and student leadership through meaningful partnerships between students, athletics, and the school community.
Throughout the year, student-athletes, Best Buddies members, families, and supporters have come together for a variety of events designed to create connections and foster a welcoming environment for all students. Best Buddies is an international organization focused on building one-to-one friendships, leadership development, and inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
At Fox Lane, the program is student-run, with student leaders helping organize inclusive community events that bring students together through shared experiences and school spirit. Athletics have become an important part of these efforts, providing opportunities for students to connect through teamwork, encouragement, and shared participation. By using sports as a platform for inclusion, Fox Lane’s athletic programs continue to help create an environment where every student feels welcomed, supported, and valued.
Student-athletes play an active role in many of these initiatives, helping strengthen relationships and create memorable opportunities for their peers. The baseball program partnered with Best Buddies students for a fun and engaging wiffle ball game that allowed students to build friendships through play and teamwork. During football games, Best Buddies members were invited to lead the team onto the field, serve as honorary captains, and participate in the coin toss, creating unforgettable moments and reinforcing the idea that athletics can unite an entire community.
Additional events such as Buddy Bowl and Buddy Hoops have continued to strengthen connections between students with and without disabilities, while Fox Lane’s lacrosse program has supported inclusion efforts through dedication games and awareness initiatives that help share the mission of Best Buddies and promote the importance of being inclusive partners both on and off the field.
The impact of these efforts has extended beyond the school community, with Fox Lane’s Best Buddies program even being featured by CBS New York for its work creating inclusive experiences for students.
Through advocacy, participation, and leadership, Fox Lane students continue to demonstrate how athletics and student-led initiatives can work together to build a more compassionate and inclusive school culture where every student feels valued, supported, and connected.
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