Are You KEEN?

K.E.E.N, Kids Enjoy Exercise Now, aimed at children, from the age of 4 upwards, with physical and mental special needs. K.E.E.N. allows children to enjoy sport in a non-competitive and safe environment. It takes place at the University Sports Centre every Sunday, during university term time, from 1.45pm to 3pm. All volunteers need to be reference checked before joining us at K.E.E.N.

Each session usually consists of a series of warm-ups, co-operative exercises, and group games, such as dodge ball, football and benchball. There is also a great deal of equipment, from skipping ropes, to benches, tunnels to skittles, which are used in 'free play', particularly for children who do not feel confident in group games, and for relay races. The session often rounds off with parachute games - a definite favourite!

Throughout the session, each child works on a one-to-one basis with a student volunteer or 'coach', who is able toencourage them to participate in activities, organised by the project co-ordinators.

Occasionally the session is more specialised, allowing the children to try activities like trampolining, or is themed, for example, at Christmas and Easter. As co-ordinators, we also try to arrange a few trips during the course of the year, such as bowling, swimming and Wacky Warehouse.

For an hour, everyone has have lots of fun and the children clearly enjoy themselves. It is very rewarding help the children get involved, and see them becoming more confident in themselves, their ability and their interaction with both the student volunteers and the other children.

We welcome all new volunteers, whatever your experience or sporting talents! Ideas for sessions are always appreciated by the co-ordinators and there are opportunities to run parts of a session or even a whole session.

If you are interested in volunteering at K.E.E.N, or know any child that may benefit from our sessions, please contact us by emailing su-ysca@york.ac.uk, with the subject heading 'KEEN'.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Shelley and Max

For more infomation about KEEN, contact us at keen@ysca.org.uk . To sign up for this or any other project, see our Sign Up page.