Redskins executive vice president Vinny Cerrato accepted the KEEN Corporate Recognition Award on behalf of the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation on Thursday at the 9th annual KEENFest in Bethesda, Md.

KEEN, or Kids Enjoy Exercise Now, is a nonprofit organization that provides free-of-charge recreation and exercise opportunities for children, teens and young adults with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters and volunteers, all programs are provided to KEEN’s athletes at no cost to their families and caregivers, enabling every child--no matter the extent of their disability or the level of income--to exercise, socialize, have fun, and be part of their community through KEEN,” said Burt Braverman, KEEN Greater DC Board President.

Modeled on an innovative program he began in Oxford, England, founder Elliott Portnoy established KEEN in the Washington, DC area in 1992. With help from a handful of parents and volunteers, KEEN started as a single program with five athletes with significant disabilities.

KEEN serves hundreds of children and young adults with disabilities through a wide variety of exercise programs and recreational activities.