For Immediate Release: Contact: Beth Wenger
March 18, 2010 (301) 461-2278
KEEN GREATER DC EXPANDS In Northern Virginia
Free program brings together children with disabilities and volunteers for exercise, recreation and fun.
Washington –Committed to making its free programs available to an increasing number of children with significant physical and developmental disabilities in the metropolitan Washington DC area, KEEN Greater DC (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) is launching a new program in Northern Virginia -- KEEN Sports VA -- on March 21, 2010.
The new Sports program will be KEEN Greater DC’s 16th program in the Washington-metro area, its second program in Northern Virginia, and the first phase of this volunteer-led nonprofit’s plans to expand the activities it offers to children with significant disabilities in Northern Virginia. Thirty Virginia children, ages 5 to 15, with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other disabilities will take part in this new program, starting Sunday, March 21, at the Key Center School, located at 6404 Franconia Road, in Springfield.
At KEEN Sports VA, as at all KEEN programs, kids with disabilities will be paired with one or two trained volunteer coaches for individualized activities geared toward each child’s interests and abilities. Sessions are unstructured, fun and non-competitive, and all KEEN activities are offered entirely free of charge. KEEN’s volunteers are drawn from community and corporate groups, religious organizations, schools and individuals who give their time.
“We are excited about bringing our unique, free programs to more athletes and new communities, especially now in Northern Virginia. KEEN plans to continue enhancing its presence throughout Greater Washington, D.C. The expansion of our Sports program to Fairfax County is, hopefully, just the beginning for that area,” said Executive Director Beata Okulska.
KEEN Greater DC began with a handful of children and a single program in 1992, and has grown to provide activities for hundreds of athletes in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. KEEN’s programs fill a void for children and young adults who often are excluded from other recreational activities due to the nature and severity of their disabilities. For many children, KEEN Sports VA will provide them with their first chance to be part of a recreational and social group.
KEEN Greater DC offers a variety of programs throughout the DC metropolitan area for kids, teens and young adults with significant disabilities, allowing these young people to build self esteem, have fun, develop an interest in exercise, and explore and experience a variety of activities. KEEN’s programs include sports, fitness, swimming, bowling and music.
KEEN Greater DC is committed to providing free, one-on-one recreational activities for children and young adults with disabilities. KEEN Greater DC is the flagship affiliate of KEEN USA, a national organization of KEEN affiliates across the United States. For more information on opportunities to support KEEN Greater DC through donations and volunteer opportunities, visit www.keengreaterdc.org or call Executive Director Beata Okulska at (301) 461-5353.
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