Last year, Windham High School started their section of the Best Buddies program which pairs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with a peer buddy without a disability to help foster genuine friendships, reduce social isolation, and promote inclusion. The program will hold a two-mile walk, run or relay fundraiser, the Turkey Trot, on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26 at Windham High School’s stadium and the course will take participants around the campus.
“I have always wanted to participate in a Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot, and I thought this would be a great way to bring our town together while supporting a cause that means so much to me,” said event organizer and Windham senior Bailey Ward. “Our goal is to bring the community together for a morning of fun, friendship, and inclusion while raising awareness and funds for Windham High School’s Best Buddies program.”
The money raised will directly support the growth of the Windham Best Buddies chapter and allow us to provide more opportunities for our members. It will help them purchase supplies for meetings and activities ... that encourage students to connect and build friendships.
The Turkey Trot will not just be a race. There will be raffles featuring gift card baskets and other fun prizes, donation opportunities, face painting, activities for children and adults, and free food and beverages at the stadium. The hope is that people will stay, connect with others, and enjoy the morning even if they are not participating in the race.
During our meetings, it is incredible to see how excited our members with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are to connect with other students their age, participate in activities, and develop friendships,” said Ward. “At the same time, the other students genuinely enjoy coming to meetings and getting to know their buddies. Everyone has the opportunity to learn from one another. We have also started seeing these connections extend beyond our meetings, whether it is students interacting in the hallways or sitting together at lunch. Those moments are especially meaningful because they show that inclusion is becoming part of everyday life at our school. I have also seen a significant increase in participation in Unified Sports, which has been another exciting development.”
Whether you live in Windham or outside of the community, all are welcome. Registration is $30 a person with a discounted rate of $20 for Windham students. Children 8 and under can participate for free. Payment can be made through the online registration link or at the race. They welcome cash, checks, and online payments.
The event has been posted on Facebook and the Windham community board, and registration information has also been sent to parents throughout RSU 14. You can view the Google Form through the Best Buddies Instagram page, @windhambestbuddiess.
“I think this helps to make the community more aware of this program, its impact, and provides an opportunity for more people to help support the program,” said Peter Small, Assistant to the Race Coordinator. “And one of the biggest missions of this run is to bring community together. The opportunities, initiated by students, have provided experiences that students might otherwise not have. Being a part of this group and supporting this group has an immediate impact on the experiences of all students involved.”
If anyone has questions you can reach out to Ward at [email protected]
Everyone is welcome to run, cheer, participate in activities and support Windham’s Best Buddies program.
“Along with awareness, the run has the opportunity to bring the community together to start the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Small. “I am excited to have the town of Windham and people from neighboring communities to come together to start the day and to support an amazing cause.” <
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