KEEN interest.

Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP is showing a keen interest in helping developmentally disabled children have a good time.

Kids Enjoy Exercise Now, or KEEN, is the brainchild of new firm chairman Elliott Portnoy.

Kids ages five to 25 with autism, cerebral palsy or other developmental challenges go to a gymnasium, usually on a Sunday, to play with other kids and work one-on-one with coaches. Even if bound to a wheelchair or unable to speak, kids are encouraged to come and have some fun.

"One of the things the kids enjoy most about KEEN is that it's not like a therapy session," Portnoy said. "Their companions are often paid companions, doctors, teachers, therapists, caregivers. For many of KEEN's athletes this is the only time during the week to be with someone who wants to be with them, and isn't paid to be with them."

KEEN L.A. partners with the Parks & Recreation Department and uses a field behind Dodger Stadium. The group has worked with about 250 kids in its first year through referrals from the Lanterman Developmental Center.

"The kids really look forward to it." said Jack Gilbertson, who chairs KEEN L.A. "Everybody comes back."

Gilbertson runs the L.A. program with Marjorie Heller, whose husband Dean is a lawyer with the firm. Sormen schein provides the seed money, which amounted to $150,000 for 2005 and $200,000 for 2006. About 300 volunteers, the majority of whom are Sonnenschein employees, help with the program. Gilbertson said more volunteers would enable the group to open more locations.

Portnoy developed the idea as a Rhodes scholar at Oxford, and first put the program in place while at Sonnenschein in Washington D.C. There are now programs in Los Angeles, Kansas City and St. Louis. A San Francisco location is to be launched later this year.