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 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.

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 2006 or 2007) as of the 31st December 2021 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.

2022 Tour

The 2022 Tour will take place from Friday 7th – Monday 17th January 2022. Nominations have now closed for this Tour. A full list of athletes and their selected events will be posted shortly.

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 2022 Tour will be $2,950 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).

Further Information

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