Meet Keenan: Athlete of the Month

Athlete of the Month: Keenan | 13 Years Old | Judo

Meet Keenan, a 13-year-old from Northern BC with endless energy and a love for adventure. Whether it’s baseball, skateboarding, skiing, biking, or martial arts, Keenan is happiest when he’s moving.

When he first joined judo, paying attention wasn’t easy — he was often more interested in chatting or playing with friends. But over time, the sport became a turning point. Judo taught him how to focus, respect his instructors, and channel his energy into strength and skill.

 “I like judo because I get to meet new people and make friends. The workouts push me, make me stronger, and I even sleep better at night,” says Keenan.

This summer, Keenan hasn’t slowed down. He’s been skateboarding and biking, and he’s signed up for a 3-day river racing program and a 8-day lifeguard leadership course. He’s already looking forward to returning to judo — and maybe karate too — to keep building strength and reconnecting with friends.

His grandmother, who has raised him since he was young, is proud of his growth:
“Sports have given Keenan confidence, focus, and friendships beyond our small community. They’ve helped him grow physically, emotionally, and socially. These opportunities wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Athletics for Kids.”

Keenan’s story is a reminder that sport is more than just activity — it’s a path to growth, connection, and self-belief. We’re proud to celebrate his journey and can’t wait to see where his energy and determination take him next!

Without our incredible network of donors and volunteers, kids like Vihan would be left on the sidelines due to financial barriers. At just $17 a month, you give kids in BC the opportunity to play sports through our Sport4Life Grant Program. Please click here to give generously today.