Project KPH launches new objectives with Survivor Scooter Fundraiser

The 2011 Survivor Scooter Challenge is about to hit the roads of the South Island this Labour weekend, with 12 riders completing a route from Picton to Greymouth to raise money for Project KPH.

Organised by Mad Dog Challenge, this year’s Survivor Scooter event will see participants ride 50cc scooters on a four day journey on - and off - roads, with stopovers in Kaiteriteri, Murchison and Punikaiki. The route also includes a testing leg through the back of Denniston, which will require participants to carry their scooters across a river. The challenge will finish at the Greymouth Battle of the Streets Motorcycle street race.

The participants who arrive in Greymouth with their scooters still operational will be on display at the Greymouth Battle of the Streets on Sunday the 23rd of October, where locals can find out more about the annual ride and its supported youth based charity Project KPH.

Project KPH is a registered charitable trust which enables young people living with terminal illness, disease, disability, and/or other special conditions to experience the rewards of realising their talents and dreams through unique projects that fit their passion and interests.

The project aims to provide a safe, positive, and encouraging environment to nurture and develop natural abilities and interests by getting up close and personal with the cream of New Zealand’s talent to build a bank of sustainable skills and resources.

In its latest project, the organisation has been working with a gutsy five year old girl named Zahnee who is passionate about horses. She is undertaking the opportunity and challenge to learn to ride, with the crescendo competing at a ribbon day – and then publishing a book about her experience to inspire other disadvantaged kids.

“It’s all go,” says Project KPH founder Leah Evans, who in a bid to help raise funds for the charity is also set to ride the Scooter Challenge in a test of stamina, mental and physical agility.

“I’m really excited about it! It’s an adventure which fits me perfectly and to have the opportunity to raise funds for Project KPH in the process is an awesome opportunity,” says an enthusiastic Evans.

“Part of the entry fee is donated back to Project KPH, with riders then raising extra dollars along the way for the charity of their choice – obviously I’m riding for Project KPH.

“It’s not going to be easy but it’s not meant to be either, hence the name ‘Survivor Scooter’. I’ve done a fair bit of trail riding but never on a scooter - they’re not known for their off road abilities but that’s the whole point!” says Leah.

“Project KPH literally runs on the smell of an oily rag. It is completely funded through sponsorship and donations, with all funding spent on projects for these deserving kids. The administration and support are all provided on a voluntary basis.

“We’re so grateful that Mad Dog Challenge created the Survivor Scooter adventure and chose to support Project KPH, the funds raised will be a welcome boost for the charity.”

Jason Monopoli, Survivor Scooter creator and head of Mad Dog Challenge says he feels privileged to be involved in Project KPH, and for his event to be involved in making a contribution to the charity.

“Project KPH gave me the opportunity to be personally involved by providing an inclusion for my son, who has the gift of Autism, at an event held at Ruapuna Raceway in November 2009. This was a wonderful event where he was able to just be himself and experience a truly special day out. We want to help raise funds so that the fantastic work that Project KPH does can be extended to help other kids with similar situations,” says Jason.

Professional photographer, Stephen Gyde from Octane Images of Auckland, joins the Survivor Scooter brigade, providing high quality and what will no doubt be highly entertaining photographic evidence, says Leah.

“I predict the Keeway Scooter that I’ve been given the use of, and its rider, arriving in Greymouth looking somewhat secondhand but having had an absolute blast. I’m sure the photography and footage will be hilarious. And as well as achieving a hideously sore bum and several bad hair days, I’m helping raise funds for Project KPH.”

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 tier one motorsport competition. Since then, over one hundred children have participated in events and activities across New Zealand.

“Project KPH has had an unbelievably positive impact on these children and their families, it’s humbling, it’s magic. It’s an experience that is unique and holds true meaning for them.

“While these kids may have different individual challenges, they all have one thing in common – a passion for making the most of life. We try to help make that happen – it’s a simple format with genuine Kiwi heart, it just seems to really work.”

For further information about Project KPH, check out www.projectkph.com and the Facebook pages for both Project KPH and Survivor Scooter.