Page 17 - 2014 BestBuddies Massachussetts Annual Report

FRIENDSHIPS / JOBS / LEADERSHIP

Eric receiving a medal after crossing the
finish line, during the 2008 Best Buddies

Challenge: Hearst Castle

Ambassador speech during
Leadership Conference 2008

Eric & Kenny G. Eric & Carl Lewis
Best Buddies Challenge

Hearst Castle 2014

ERIC "Hi, I’m Eric Matthes, and I live in Seattle. I have Down syndrome and I’m a self advocate.
MATTHES That means I like to stand up for myself and make responsible choices in my own life. I
chose to celebrate friendship with you and Best Buddies! That is MY responsible choice!

When I was in kindergarten, I found out that I had a disability. I was called “RETARDED.”

Before that I didn’t even know I had a disability. I felt hurt, sad and confused. There were also people who heard me being called

names but did nothing. Although they were not making fun of me, they did not support me as a friend. Thankfully, my teachers

and true friends made me realize I had the power to overcome my sad feelings. I learned that although my disability is part of

my life, I AM NOT MY DISABILITY!

I have made a difference in the world. I am making a difference through Best Buddies! This is what we do here! We make a
difference…one friendship at a time! I want to show the world that even though I have a disability, I can do ANYTHING I put my
mind to. Best Buddies shows that people with disabilities like me can live our lives to their utmost potential! Friendship is the
fuel that makes this happen!"

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