First Ever Buddy Bowl Celebrates Inclusion

Bedford Central School District and Katonah-Lewisboro School District recently played in the first ever Buddy Bowl, an event that brought the rival schools’ varsity football teams and Best Buddies clubs together to celebrate inclusion.

“One of my missions this year is to make all students feel like they are part of the ‘team’ here at Fox Lane,” Fox Lane High School’s Best Buddies club advisor Nicole Goldstein-Regan said. “I created the Buddy Bowl so that all students can feel like they belong at events that their peers enjoy.”

Goldstein-Regan reached out to John Jay High School’s Best Buddies club and asked if they would like to take part in an event designed to raise awareness and even the playing field for all students.

“After weeks and weeks of planning, we came together to include every-buddy and have fun together,” she said.

The new chapter of the club at Fox Lane Middle School, led by Dana Signorile, took part as well.

“Best Buddies is a club that promotes kindness and inclusion among students,” said junior member Dani Ades. “We wanted to reach further than our club, so we included the middle school and high school with the Buddy Bowl.”

Impressed with how much the high school chapter of the club has grown since it started last year, senior Logan Mammola would love to see even more students get involved.

“I think everyone should check it out and meet new friends with different interests and abilities.”

Prior to the event, BCSD’s Best Buddies had a meet-and-greet with the varsity football team. The students played games, enjoyed snacks and got to know each other. Logan, a three-sport athlete and member of the Best Buddies club from the beginning, has served as the club’s varsity sports connection.

“There were so many great things about the Buddy Bowl,” Logan said. “I think one of my favorite things was seeing my buddy, Jack Ralston, go out for the coin toss. Jack's not the biggest fan of crowds or the noise level of things like this, so I was proud of him for taking part in the game.”

Dani agreed, saying, “The Buddy Bowl was an absolute blast! We felt the spirit throughout the whole student section and football team, and it was magical running across the field with our community. We were beaming when we watched the cheer and dance team rock their Best Buddies shirts, showing their support for our club.”

Goldstein-Regan loves the fact that the football team and the buddies are now on a first-name basis, something that’s directly related to her hopes for the club.

“I hope students take away from this experience the desire to make everyone feel like they belong and are important,” she said.

Best Buddies club members certainly seemed to take that to heart.

“One of my favorite parts of Best Buddies is the no-judgment zone we create,” Dani said. “I always feel like I can walk into Best Buddies and be myself, no matter what. We accept everyone for who they are, building friendships and bonds that will last forever.”

Logan agreed, noting how fulfilling the club is.

“Being a part of this club has been one of the most rewarding experiences,” he said. “The friendships you make within Best Buddies may not be ‘typical,’ but they are inclusive, without judgment and full of compassion and kindness.”

Director of Special Education Dr. Toni Ann Carey is thrilled at how this wonderful community event aligned with the district’s vision.

“It’s amazing to watch the district vision of accessibility and inclusion for all be brought to life at a community event,” she said. “I’m thankful to club advisor Nikki Regan for her leadership and initiative.”