STATEHOUSE (Aug. 13, 2010) – Best Buddies of Indiana recently presented State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) with the Champion of Friendship award in recognition of his efforts to improve the independence and social integration of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

“I strongly believe in giving a voice to those who run the risk of being mistreated just because they may be seen by some as being different,” Alting said. “While I appreciate this recognition, the real reward comes from helping people. I want to take this opportunity to encourage all Hoosiers to befriend, employ and support individuals with IDD.”

Best Buddies of Indiana is the local chapter of Best Buddies International, Inc. Founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver in 1989, Best Buddies International, Inc. is a non-profit organization aiming to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for socialization and employment. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 states, with accredited international programs on six continents and additional country programs under active development.

Shriver presented the award to Alting at the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference at Indiana University.

“It was an honor to present Senator Alting with the 2010 Champion of Friendship award on behalf of Best Buddies Indiana,” Shriver said. “Senator Alting has been a tremendous supporter of Best Buddies in Indiana and he has worked diligently to ensure our programs continue to thrive.  He is a terrific asset to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities around the state.”

According to Sarah Baldini, the state director for Best Buddies of Indiana, the Champion of Friendship award is presented to those who have championed the Best Buddies cause and were instrumental in helping secure state funding to support inclusion programs for Hoosiers with IDD in Indiana.

Alting said funding from the state helps support six important Best Buddies programs:

• Best Buddies Citizens matches people with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships with individuals in the corporate and civic communities;
• Best Buddies Jobs continues the integration of people with intellectual disabilities into the community through supported employment;
• Best Buddies Colleges pairs people with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships with college students;
• Best Buddies High Schools pairs students with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships with high school students;
• Best Buddies Middle Schools pairs students with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships; and
• E-Buddies is an e-mail pen pal program partnering people with an intellectual disability ages 10 and up with peer volunteers from across the United States and around the globe.

For more information about Best Buddies of Indiana, Alting suggested a visit to www.bestbuddiesindiana.org.

Sen. Alting represents Senate District 22, which includes a portion of Tippecanoe County.