Programs Board of Directors Parents Volunteers History				History KEEN History: From One Program to Many KEEN is modeled on an innovative program established in Oxford, England by Elliott Portnoy, who brought KEEN to the Washington, DC area in 1992. With help from a handful of parents and volunteers, KEEN started as a single program. Now, because of our careful attention to the needs of our athletes and their families, and our volunteers, KEEN serves hundreds of young people with disabilities and offers a wide range of programs and activities. In early 2005 KEEN will launch programs in 2 new cities. Chicago and Kansas City, will join Greater DC, as KEEN affiliates, as KEEN begins its national expansion. KEEN Milestones Throughout the Years 1988 Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) founded in England 1991 KEEN England's founder and interested parents and community members in Montgomery County, Md., meet to discuss starting a U.S. version of the program. 1992 KEEN holds its first session in the United States. 1993 KEEN launches its first major fundraising effort: the Annual KEEN Golf Classic. 1994 KEEN Club created to give teenagers with disabilities an opportunity to play team sports and go on outings with peer companions. 1997 KEEN hires a part-time staff person. 1997 KEEN Swim is launched, serving all KEEN athletes. 1998 KEEN establishes a satellite program at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. 2001 KEEN Fit and Sports are created to provide fitness and recreational opportunities to young adults in the Washington, D.C., area. 2001 KEEN's part-time staff job grows into a full-time Executive Director position. 2001 KEEN creates second major fundraiser: the Annual KEENFest Dinner and Silent Auction. 2002 KEEN celebrates 10th anniversary and holds first KEEN Sports Festival, inviting athletes from every program to come together as one group at an outdoor recreational event and picnic. KEEN also restructures to make all its programs age specific, except for Swim. 2003 KEEN develops a bowling program for its young adult athletes and launches a tennis program in Northern Virginia. KEEN in Oxford, England, celebrates its 15th anniversary. 2004 KEEN in the United States adds a part-time fundraising assistant and becomes KEEN USA, a national organization with three affiliates: KEEN Greater DC, KEEN Kansas City and KEEN Chicago. 2004 KEEN Greater DC launches a music and dance program for children and teens.				Contact Us
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