Two special needs kids selected to go to Bathurst

For Immediate Release
17 May, 2009

Two Canterbury special needs kids selected to go to Bathurst

Two South Island special needs children have been selected from 63 Project KPH kids nationwide to go on a trip of a lifetime to the V8 racing mecca of Bathurst in Australia in October.

The children, Sabrina Lawson from Christchurch and Logan Fynn from Timaru, will travel to the Bathurst event thanks to Project KPH - a charitable trust which enables special needs children to experience the thrill of motorsport, without the fear of stigma or negative attention.

The children, accompanied by a parent, will go behind the scenes at Bathurst, meeting drivers, visiting pit areas and experiencing the racing up close and personal. The trip will include a visit with kiwi racing legend, Greg Murphy.

The two children were told on Friday night <> that they had been selected to go to Bathurst - and both are "beside themselves with excitement", according to Project KPH founder, Leah Evans.

"Both kids are firing on all cylinders and ready to race!

"It is a dream come true for them to realise the opportunity to attend what is THE V8 Supercar race of the year.

"We are all very excited and ready to get the fundraising started. I'm sure the next four months will hold much fun and anticipation for these two very cool kids and their families," says Leah.

Project KPH was established by Rotorua woman Leah Evans in October 2007, taking two "rev heads" with Cerebral Palsy to Pukekohe for Round One of the V8 competition. Since then, 63 children have participated in events across New Zealand.

Sabrina and Logan attended New Zealand motorsport events at Ruapuna Park in late November 2008 and Levels Park Raceway in January 2009 and are both avid motorsport fans.

"Project KPH has had an unbelievable impact on these children and their families. We literally saw their self-confidence grow in the space of just one day.

"Unfortunately, many of our parents have reported a stigma about taking their child to public places. We are able to give these kids an outing that is not generally available to the public. It's an experience that is unique and holds true meaning for them.

"While these kids may have different special needs, they all have one thing in common - a passion for Motorsport. We make sure they are able to enjoy their sport in the same way as anyone else would - but even better."

Leah says taking some Project KPH kiwi kids to an Australian event has always been a key goal of the project.

"But it's even better that we're taking them to Bathurst - this is the pinnacle of V8 racing," she enthuses.

Project KPH needs to raise approx $7000 to take the two children to Bathurst.

"Project KPH literally runs on the smell of an oily rag. It is completely funded through sponsorship and donations, with all funding received to date spent on providing outings for special needs children. The administration and all other support is provided on a voluntary basis."

In order to raise the money, a number of fund-raising events will be happening around Canterbury and New Zealand. Sabrina and Logan will also be actively involved and are aiming to raise a small amount each.

"One of the project's core values is 'personal growth' and as such, we think it's important for the children to take responsibility for raising a small amount of money themselves.

"This gives them some ownership of the trip and makes them feel they have made their own contribution. Their parents are also pleased to think they are helping out towards the trip and we will be working closely with them to help them with their fundraising endeavours."

Sabrina and Logan were selected by the Project KPH trustees based on a set of criteria.

Details about upcoming fundraising activities will soon be on the Project KPH website, www.projectkph.co.nz

ENDS

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