by BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIOAL

MIAMI, FL - July 27, 2009 - The Best Buddies chapter at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin was presented with an Outstanding Chapter Award at Best Buddies International's 20th Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference, July 24-27, 2009. Marquette University was chosen as one of nine college chapters from more than 400 college programs throughout the world for its dedication to the Best Buddies mission.

Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Leadership Conference prepares student leaders to operate the Best Buddies chapters at their schools, which involves recruitment of new members, planning group activities for their chapters and promoting of the social integration of people with intellectual disabilities in their communities.

Nearly 800 students, representing Colombia, Denmark, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Spain, and the United States, traveled to Indiana University to participate in the four-day conference. Working under the theme of “We are Best Buddies,” these students, selected for their active leadership roles within Best Buddies, attended a series of interactive workshops focusing on leadership development, community service, civic responsibility, intellectual disabilities and volunteerism. For the first time in Best Buddies history, portions of this year's Leadership Conference was streamed live online.

“Best Buddies International celebrates the efforts of our exceptional high school and college chapters, which have developed incredible one-to-one friendships and strengthen the Best Buddies mission in their schools,” said Mia Mulholland, Director of Programs for Best Buddies. “Each chapter's creativity, dedication and hard work play an important role in furthering the social inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities within their communities and around the world.”

About Best Buddies International

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 and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,400 middle school, high school, and college campuses worldwide.  Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States.  We have accredited programs in 44 countries, with additional ones under active development.  Our six formal programs - Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies and Jobs - positively impact more than 400,000 individuals with and without intellectual disabilities annually. As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, and make lifelong friendships.  For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org.

Media Inquiries:

Heather Schatz
305-374-2233, ext. 207
HeatherSchatz@bestbuddies.org

Or

Jennifer Grau
305-374-2233, ext .245
JenniferGrau@bestbuddies.org