Little Athletics Queensland has identified a major drop off in registered members in our older age groups. As such, we have organised this tour to encourage our athletes to remain involved in Little Athletics throughout their senior years. It is also anticipated that by doing this, it will encourage athletes to stay involved in the sport of Athletics as they move into adulthood. The purpose of the Tour is a development opportunity for athletes of all levels.

The Tour takes place in the January school holidays each year, and runs for approximately 9-11 days. Athletes in the Team will spend time travelling and competing together throughout the South Island of New Zealand. It is not necessary to be an elite athlete to take part in this Tour. Qualified LAQ Team Management will accompany the athletes while on the tour and will be in complete control of the athletes while they are away.

The Team & Selection

Only LAQ registered athletes in the U14 and U15 age groups are eligible for selection as athletes must be either 13 or 14 years of age (as of the 31st December in the year of nomination) to compete. Additional athletes may be selected if space is available. The team will be selected solely on those athletes that have nominated. When nominating, athletes will have to list their best performances at various events. Please note that placings at LAQ sanctioned events or being selected as a member of the LAQ State Team (U13), or previous Development Tours does not guarantee selection in this Team.

Initially, a team of up to 30 athletes will be selected with additional athletes being selected if space is available.

Qualified LAQ Team Management will accompany the athletes while on the tour and will be in complete control of the athletes while they are away.

The Competition

Most years, the Team takes part in two competitions. Both competitions are conducted under full IAAF Rules – not Little Athletics modified rules.

The first of these competitions is the South Island Colgate Games. These games are the largest on the New Zealand Children’s Athletics calendar. This competition is held over three days. The second will be the Lovelock Classic. This competition will be held over one day and consists of a Junior and Senior Program. A full list of events and specifications for both competitions can be found here.

2023 Tour

The 2023 Tour will take place from Friday 6th – Monday 16th January 2023. Athletes will spend 11 days in New Zealand and compete at both the Lovelock Classic and the Colgate Games, both being held in Timaru.

For further information and to nominate for the 2023 Tour, click here.

Costs

Athletes are required to fully fund themselves if they wish to be part of this Team. The cost is set each year depending on various budgeting factors (length of the trip, where the competitions are being held etc). The cost for the 2023 Tour will be $2,995 per athlete. This amount covers the return airfares from Brisbane to New Zealand, airport and government taxes, airport transfers and ground transportation, travel insurance, 10 night’s accommodation, all meals and food for 11 days, competition fees, uniforms and tours / sightseeing activities.

The only other money that will be required from the athletes is personal spending money and the costs of a passport (if the athlete does not already have one).

COVID Information

The Australian Government has no vaccination restrictions to enter our country. The New Zealand Government does not have vaccination restrictions for anyone 16 years and under to enter their country. This means that athletes do not need to be vaccinated to take part in the tour.

As COVID restrictions can change, more information will be provided to selected athletes as it becomes available, including any specific requirements for travel.

Further Information

If you have any questions, please contact the LAQ Office on (07) 3892 9400 or info@laq.org.au