KEEN USA provides free, non-competitive programs of fitness and recreation for youth with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the challenges they face.
Washington DC – January 25, 2016 Kids Enjoy Exercise Now - KEEN USA is proud to announce its 25th year of providing programs of fitness, fun, and friendship for children and young adults with disabilities.
KEEN’s Mission - Empower youth with disabilities by providing free, non-competitive one-to-one programs of exercise, fitness and fun, led by volunteer coaches.
KEEN’s Vision - Foster confidence, self-esteem and community inclusion for youth with disabilities; strengthen communities through education of volunteers; and provide families with respite and a supportive network.
KEEN provides physical activity opportunities for some of the hardest to serve populations of cognitively and physically disabled children and young adults in our communities, including those with autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. KEEN’s model is one-to-one and non-competitive, allowing everyone to participate and find success. For young athletes who have extensive cognitive and/or physical disabilities, or those who are nonverbal, KEEN is often the only organization that can accommodate their special needs.
“We are very proud to be celebrating 25 years of providing free programs to children and youth with disabilities. They are the population most likely to develop childhood obesity, and KEEN’s inclusive and accessible model removes barriers that prevent participation in fitness and recreational programs,” said Kate Hurson, Executive Director of KEEN USA.
KEEN was originally founded in 1988 in Oxford, England by Elliott Portnoy. Together with his wife, Estee, Portnoy brought the program to the Washington, DC area in 1992, where KEEN started in an elementary school gym with five children and a handful of dedicated parents and volunteers. Today, KEEN has a national network of seven affiliates, providing services in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco, and St. Louis, in addition to its flagship program in the Greater Washington DC area and Baltimore. In 2016, KEEN engaged more than 7000 athletes and volunteer coaches.
Help KEEN celebrate 25 years of service and ensure KEEN can continue to provide youth with disabilities access to and inclusion in fitness and recreational programs, always free-of-charge.
Get Involved with KEEN
Join us! Learn more about KEEN USA at our upcoming events:
- National Youth Leadership Council Conference – March 23 -24, 2017 – Anaheim
- Childhood Obesity Conference – May 31, 2017 – San Diego
Donate! Support KEEN USA:
- TEAM KEEN 25 – LA Marathon – full marathon and relay marathon places available
- Make a donation
For more information about KEEN USA or to see local calendars of events, please visit your local affiliate.
