Written By Kevin Enners

It’s not about the race shirts or the medals. It’s about empowerment and shared racing experiences in a community that champions inclusion and belonging. That simple, powerful belief lies at the heart of The Kyle Pease Foundation, where athletes of all abilities are embraced, encouraged, and celebrated. Through the joy of inclusive racing, this nonprofit creates a space where barriers fade and shared successes shine.

Staying true to this mission, KPF unveiled the Kyle Pease Kids program, which introduces children with disabilities to the world of inclusive sports from an early age, helping them build confidence, forge friendships, and discover a lifelong passion for racing.

“My goal is to connect people to a cause that celebrates ability, inclusion, and shared achievement,” says KPK’s Development Manager Gillian Sharp. “Every child deserves to be part of something that lifts them up.”

Thanks to the generous support of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, KPK has grown in remarkable ways. This funding has not only allowed the program to provide youth-sized racing chairs but has also strengthened its foundation, making programs more sustainable, community-driven, and accessible to more families.

Gillian plays a vital role in bringing this vision to life. Like many on the KPF team, she wears several hats. She builds meaningful relationships with families, donors, and community partners to ensure that every child can fully participate. While coordinating events, she champions youth-led fundraising efforts and is developing the KPK Ambassador Program. Her work helps create an environment where every athlete and teammate alike feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

“Watching a Kyle Pease Kid cross the finish line is more than just witnessing a race completed,” Gillian reflects. “It’s seeing barriers fall away, replaced by belief, joy, and determination. These athletes aren’t just crossing a line. They’re doing it on their terms, with a team that believes in them every step of the way.”

A vital part of KPK’s mission is building bridges with other youth programs, such as Girls on the Run Georgia and Kilometer Kids. Partnerships help extend the camaraderie beyond race day. These connections foster year-round events in the community. KPK provides spaces where every youth athlete and their family can grow relationships, creating moments where inclusion isn’t just talked about, it’s lived.

During a recent Kilometer Kids session at a local park, Gillian witnessed one of those unforgettable moments. A young push team arrived and was immediately welcomed by the club members — running, laughing, and fully participating side by side.

“It was a simple afternoon,” Gillian recalls, “but it spoke volumes about what true inclusion looks like when we get it right. Moments like that remind me why we do this — to keep creating spaces where every child feels like they belong.”

Join us in creating more opportunities for children and families with disabilities through
Kyle Pease Kids—our newest initiative, bringing inclusion to the next generation.

💙 Learn more.
🏃‍♀️ Get involved.
🙌 Be the reason someone crosses the finish line.