6 months ago
WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Will Huchinson is now 22, but as he was growing up, his mom, Karen, wanted to get him involved as much as possible with his peers.
Karen Huchinson says, "I tried a bunch of different sports teams and social organizations, and he would go and be a good soul. But, you could tell that it just wasn't anything that he particularly wanted to do."
"He was just doing it to make me happy," adds Karen.
She found KEEN Greater DC, KEEN is short for Kids Enjoy Exercise Now.
KEEN Greater DC is a volunteer run, nonprofit organization that opens up a world of possibilities for children and young adults with special needs.
KEEN Greater DC's Executive Director Beata Okulska says, "We take every child despite the nature of the child's disability. We have kids with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Mental Retardation."
KEEN athletes are paired with volunteers who help them discover their physical talents.
The program offers bowling, music, swimming and tennis matches, as well as many other sports programs.
KEEN Greater DC was established in 1992. Since then, other programs have started across the country.
On March 21, KEEN will launch its first sports program in Virginia at the Key Center School in Springfield. KEEN Sports Virginia will be KEEN Greater DC's 16th program.
Best of all, KEEN's programs are free of charge.
KEEN Greater DC is always looking for volunteers. To volunteer or enroll your child go to www.keengreaterdc.org.
Written by Thomas James
9NEWS NOW & wusa9.com
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