KEEN is modeled on an innovative program established in Oxford, England by Elliott Portnoy, who brought KEEN to the Washington, DC area in 1992. With help from a handful of parents and volunteers, KEEN started as a single program.

KEEN has now expanded into select cities across the United States, opening its doors to new athletes and volunteers. KEEN Phoenix falls under the umbrella of KEEN USA, along with affiliates in Washington DC, Chicago, Kansas City, Los Angeles, St. Louis, San Franciscoand New York. As KEEN grows, it is committed to maintaining its basic ideals: providing free recreational opportunities to children and young adults with disabilities by pairing them with trained volunteers for fun, noncompetitive activities. KEEN seeks to develop each athlete's self-esteem and confidence, as well as recreational skills and talents, and to increase each athlete's ability to participate in a broader range of recreational activities and environments.

KEEN Timeline