Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes Joins KEEN Greater DC in Providing Exercise and Recreational Programs to Children and Young Adults with Disabilities
(July 2009) Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) Greater DC today announced that Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes has joined its Board of Directors as an honorary board member.
KEEN Greater DC is a nonprofit, volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children, teens and young adults with significant developmental and physical disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and spina bifida. KEEN’s 14 programs and more than 30 sessions each month – including sports, swimming, tennis, bowling, music and teen club – are provided to its young participants (KEEN’s “athletes”) at no cost to their families and caregivers. KEEN's mission is to foster the self-esteem, confidence, skills and talents of its athletes through non-competitive exercise and recreational activities, allowing young people facing even the most significant disabilities to meet their individual goals, share in healthful exercise activities that others may take for granted, and enjoy greater social interaction with the community.
Dominique’s commitment to sports and exercise, and to ensuring that children and young adults with disabilities achieve their full potential, makes her a perfect match for us ", said Burt Braverman, KEEN Greater DC's president. "Her energy, enthusiasm and talents will greatly contribute to accomplishing the mission of KEEN Greater DC."
Dawes, a Silver Spring native, has a younger brother with autism and is intimately aware of the challenges posed to young people with disabilities and their families. As an honorary member of KEEN’s board, Dawes will help represent KEEN Greater DC to the Washington DC community and the media, and advocate the importance of and need for KEEN’s programs throughout the greater metropolitan Washington DC area. She also will advise KEEN concerning the exercise components of its many programs.
"I am very pleased to join KEEN Greater DC as an honorary board member because its mission is very close to my heart," said Ms. Dawes. "KEEN helps ensure that children, teens and young adults with disabilities have an opportunity to play and participate in healthful sports and exercise activities, and are not isolated from the community by their disabilities. I look forward to working with KEEN Greater DC to extend its programs throughout our community so that every child – even those with significant disabilities – can come out and play!”
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