Thousands participate in Best Buddies Challenge bike ride to Hyannis Port

HYANNIS, MASS. (WHDH) - Thousands of area residents took part in the Best Buddies Challenge bike ride Saturday, an annual charity event that wraps up in Hyannis Port.

7News anchors Adam Williams, Kim Khazei, and Jadiann Thompson were among the more than 2,000 riders who participated.

There were different routes for 30 miles, 50 miles, and the full 100-mile ride taking participants past scenic cranberry bogs and over the Sagamore Bridge.

Anthony Shriver founded Best Buddies out of his college dorm room 30 years ago.

Now he says he is proud of all the work the organization does.

“It sold out two months ago and we are hopefully going to raise close to $7 million,” Shriver told 7News from the starting line.

“Serving over a million people across the globe in 52 countries and all 50 states, creating jobs for people right here in Boston for people with special abilities and creating mentorship opportunities and leadership opportunities,” are just some of the things Shriver says his organization supports.

The weekend of festivities kicked off Friday with a charity game at Harvard Stadium featuring New England Patriots stars Tom Brady and Julian Edelman.

The party continued well past the finish line with Edelman and celebrity chef Guy Fierei cooking up a celebratory clam bake.

7NEWS is a proud partner with Best Buddies. The charity’s mission: to help create friendships and employment for those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

To donate to the 7NEWS team, click here.

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