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 Competition & Selection

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 South Island Teams competition against Teams from New Zealand’s South Island. This competition will be held over one day. A full list of events and specifications for both competitions can be found here.

In 2021, the Team will only be competing at the South Island Teams competition, in Dunedin.

A team of 20 athletes (10 boys and 10 girls) will be eligible for selection. Only LAQ registered athletes in the U15 and U16 age groups are eligible for selection as athletes must be either 14 or 15 years of age (born in 2005 or 2006) as of the 31st December 2020 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.

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 2021 Tour will be $2,600 per athlete. This amount covers the following:

• Return airfares from Brisbane to New Zealand (travel to and from Brisbane airport is not included)
• Airport and Government taxes
• Airport transfers and ground transportation costs
• Travel Insurance
• 8 nights’ accommodation
• All meals
• Competition Fees
• Uniforms
• 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).

2021 Tour

The 2021 Tour will take place over 9 days from Saturday 16^th – Sunday 24^th January 2021. Athletes will enjoy multiple training and fitness sessions in Queenstown before their competition in Dunedin.  For further information and a nomination form, please click here.

Please note that LAQ is scheduling to operate the 2021 Tour as normal, however, it is of course dependant on both the Australian and New Zealand Government’s restrictions concerning COVID-19.

Further Information

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