KEEN athletes at the festival. (Examiner.com photo/Mike Frandsen)
Kids Enjoy Exercise Now held its 9th annual sports festival Sunday at Hadley Park in Potomac, Maryland. The sports festival is an annual celebration in which KEEN families participate in sports and games with their children and siblings, along with volunteer coaches.
KEEN is a national, non-profit volunteer organization that gives children and young adults with disabilities a chance play sports and recreational activities in a non-competitive, welcoming atmosphere. KEEN athletes include children with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and autism.
Charlie Gilbert, who has been volunteering or coordinating KEEN programs since 1998, says KEEN is the highlight of the week for many children with special needs.
“KEEN provides recreational opportunities for kids who just don’t have other chances,” Gilbert said. “It gives them friends to meet with on the weekends and it’s a lot of fun.”
Olympic gold medal winning gymnast Dominique Dawes talks
to KEEN athletes. (Examiner.com photo/MikeFrandsen)
Dominique Dawes of Gaithersburg, who won an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics in 1996, spoke to the athletes and signed autographs at the KEEN sports festival. Dawes has a younger brother with autism.
Children and young adults at the sports festival participated in tug-of-war, an obstacle course, face painting, and other sports and games with their families and volunteer coaches.
KEEN programs are free, but there is a waiting list. KEEN provides programs for children and young adults with disabilities in Bethesda including sports, swimming, and music.
KEEN was started 18 years ago and has since expanded nationally, with affiliates in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Chicago, and Phoenix.
Also see:
Sports and exercise for children with autism can improve social and cognitive skills
Play dates for kids with autism can enhance social skills, emotional awareness, and learning
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Comments
What a wonderful organization. I wish there were affiliates all across the country. Thanks for sharing.
I think the KEEN model is great....everyone can learn that sports should be fun and confidence-building for all kids.
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