News

By Lauren Tilghman

For 50 years, the Keen Games have brought friendly competition, laughter, and a strong sense of community to Inglis House. This beloved annual tradition gives residents the opportunity to compete, cheer one another on, try something new, and celebrate their talents and achievements. 

The Keen Games are named in honor of former Inglis Board member Alice Lightner Keen, who organized the first event in 1976. The original games were created to celebrate two important milestones—the nation’s bicentennial and Inglis’ centennial. What began as a special anniversary event quickly became a cherished Inglis House tradition that has continued for five decades. This year’s 50th anniversary Keen Games will take place over three days in September, filling Inglis House with energy, excitement, and community spirit. 

More than 100 residents participate in the Games each year; making the event feel like Inglis House’s own Paralympics—an inclusive celebration of athletic ability, strategy, determination, creativity, and teamwork. The Keen Games are designed so residents with a wide range of interests and abilities can take part. Competitions include longtime favorites such as shuffleboard, poker, wheelchair slalom, Home Run Derby, skee-ball, bowling, and chess. Pickleball offers residents another way to compete; newer activities continue to bring a fresh energy and excitement to the event annually. This year, residents can also test their aim with one of the newest additions—distance throwing with Inglis House’s therapy dog, Leroy. Like the other Keen Games activities, the event is adapted with accessibility and participation in mind, giving everyone the opportunity to challenge themselves in a fun and supportive environment.

  

While every participant wants to do their best, the Keen Games are about much more than winning, they are about connection. Residents encourage their friends, celebrate great plays, share a few good-natured rivalries, and enjoy being part of something that brings the entire Inglis House community together. The Games also highlight the many different ways people can participate in recreation and competition. Some events require speed or precision, while others focus on strategy, concentration, or coordination. Residents can choose the activities that best match their interests, making the Keen Games a truly inclusive experience.

Throughout the three days of competition, residents will practice their favorite events, compare scores, and proudly represent their ‘neighborhoods’ (the different corridors inside the House). Staff members and volunteers help keep the games running, while spectators bring encouragement and excitement to each competition. The celebration will conclude with a Parade of Champions featuring residents from all the neighborhoods throughout Inglis House. The parade will lead into a special medal ceremony recognizing the participants, their accomplishments, and the spirit they bring to the games. 

Reaching the 50th anniversary reflects not only the lasting vision of Alice Lightner Keen, but also the generations of residents, staff members, volunteers, families, and supporters who have helped the tradition grow. Inglis is especially grateful to PA Health & Wellness for sponsoring the Keen Games and helping make this milestone celebration possible. Their support helps ensure residents can continue to enjoy accessible recreation, meaningful competition, and opportunities to connect with their community.

Fifty years after the first event, the spirit of the Keen Games remains as strong as ever. The Games continue to remind us that competition can bring people together, recreation should be accessible to everyone, and every achievement—large or small—is worth celebrating.

Anyone interested in volunteering at Inglis and supporting events and activities like the Keen Games can learn more and connect with us at www.inglis.org/volunteer.