Best Buddies CEO Rides with Special Companion in Dolphins Cancer Challenge

Thousands of bicyclists prepare for annual fundraiser in South Florida

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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As thousands of bicyclists prepare to take part in the annual Dolphins Cancer Challenge, the CEO of Best Buddies, Anthony Shriver, will be riding with one of his closest friends, Mark Wylie, who is battling pancreatic cancer. Shriver will also be accompanied by a team from Best Buddies and Special Compass, a partner organization that helps people with special needs, including Shriver's friend Michael, who has cerebral palsy. The event aims to raise funds for cancer research in South Florida.

Why it matters

The Dolphins Cancer Challenge is a major annual fundraiser that has raised over $90 million for cancer research since 2010. Shriver's participation with his friend and the inclusion of people with disabilities through the Best Buddies and Special Compass partnership highlights the event's focus on community, support, and making the experience accessible to all.

The details

More than 8,500 people have signed up to take part in this year's Dolphins Cancer Challenge. Shriver, the CEO of Best Buddies, will be riding with his childhood friend Mark Wylie, who is battling pancreatic cancer. Shriver will also be accompanied by a team from Best Buddies and Special Compass, a partner organization that helps people with special needs, including Shriver's friend Michael, who has cerebral palsy. The teams will make a 54-mile trek to raise funds for cancer research.

  • The Dolphins Cancer Challenge is an annual event that has taken place since 2010.
  • This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026.

The players

Anthony Shriver

The CEO of Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization that promotes inclusion for those with disabilities.

Mark Wylie

Shriver's childhood friend who is battling pancreatic cancer.

Special Compass

An organization that helps people with special needs through inclusive sports, education, and housing programs.

Michael

The son of Special Compass CEO Jim Sayih, who has cerebral palsy and will be accompanying Shriver in a chariot during the event.

Jim Sayih

The CEO of Special Compass, whose son Michael will be participating in the event with Shriver.

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What they’re saying

“Cancer touches all of us, you know, one of my best friends from childhood has pancreatic cancer and is struggling through that, Mark Wylie. We're riding in his honor to support his care and his treatment.”

— Anthony Shriver, CEO, Best Buddies (WSVN)

“Towing someone, it just captures the whole spirit of Best Buddies, right, I mean, it's one-to-one friendship, it's, you know, supporting each other on a journey.”

— Anthony Shriver, CEO, Best Buddies (WSVN)

“Twenty years ago, Michael, in high school, learned about Best Buddies, and then we got to meet Anthony, and we just saw Anthony as a really incredible human.”

— Jim Sayih, CEO, Special Compass (WSVN)

“It gives Michael freedom and the joy of being included, you know, it's not just being a spectator on the sideline and watching everybody else have fun, getting a medal, screaming and all that, you know, he gets to be a part of this.”

— Jim Sayih, CEO, Special Compass (WSVN)

“My favorite part is interacting with everyone.”

— Michael (WSVN)

What’s next

Residents who plan to attend the event should check the Dolphins Cancer Challenge website for information on bike routes and road closures.

The takeaway

The Dolphins Cancer Challenge demonstrates how community-driven events can bring people together to support important causes, like cancer research, while also promoting inclusion and accessibility for all participants, regardless of their abilities.