WELCOME...
Project KPH is a Registered Charitable Trust which enables young people living with special needs to experience the thrill of motorsport.
The young people are aged typically between 7 – 17 and experience what is a very unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of New Zealand’s top motor racing talent, their teams and cars; in a positive, safe and encouraging environment.
The project is the vision of an ordinary Kiwi, who has been inspired through personal experiences with people living with special needs. She grew up with a first cousin who has Rett Syndrome (a neurodevelopmental disorder), and had a friend in her late teens whose sister was affected with severe Epilepsy. The catalyst for Leah’s action was witnessing a young man with a disability being bullied by a group of teenagers at a Motorsport event years ago. The incident never sat right with her and she decided to take action. She came up with a concept that saw her combine her love of motor racing with her passion for people. The result is Project KPH.
Established in October 2007 by Leah Evans, two “rev heads” with Cerebral Palsy were taken to Pukekohe for Round One of the NZV8 championship competition.
Today over 100 young people have participated in events across New Zealand and two were hosted on a once in a lifetime trip to Bathurst last October.
As a group the kids along with a parent or caregiver each, visit with a number of teams including some of New Zealand’s Top Motor Racing talent from our premier classes of racing. The young people are able to enjoy a fully interactive experience where they collect the autographs of the drivers, have their photos taken with them, get up close and personal with their teams and cars and of course catch the on-track action too. Leah says it is for most of the kids a once in a lifetime experience.
“Project KPH is about standing up for what I believe in. It’s about giving these young people, who through no fault of their own are less advantaged than most – the opportunity to feel valued, take away new skills and a massive boost to their self esteem.
“It’s both a privilege and an honour to help another human being feel such a sense of trust and self worth. For me, seeing it realised through Project KPH is compelling”. Leah Evans, Founder
Welcome to Project KPH!
Testimonials and
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