Applications sought for Southland programme intake

THE opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Southland’s top sporting achievers is now available, as applications for the 2019 Academy Southland foundation athlete intake are open.

Six Academy Southland graduates represented New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast last year.

‘‘The Academy Southland Programme aims to develop people, athletes, coaches and officials to achieve and inspire on the national and international stage,’’ Academy Southland coordinator Carly Anderson said.

‘‘Following inclusion in the programme, participants will know who they are and what motivates them, where they come from and how to perform at the highest level.’’

A maximum of 12 athletes are included in each twoyear intake.

The programme focuses on areas including athlete life, sport nutrition, performance psychology and strength and conditioning, in the Mike Piper Training Centre.

‘‘The foundation year of the programme offers athletes an induction into performance sport. Those athletes who excel in the foundation year may be selected for inclusion in a leadership year programme building on principles from the foundation year,’’ Anderson said.

Eligible athletes must be living in Southland, and not be ‘‘carded’’ by their own national sports organisation.

‘‘We prioritise athletes who aspire to represent New Zealand on the international stage — whether that’s at a world championship, Olympics, Paralympics or Commonwealth Games.’’

A selection panel including representatives from High Performance Sport NZ and Academy Southland will assess applications and regional sporting organisations will be consulted as part of the process.

Athletes will also require endorsement from their coach, Anderson said.

For an application form and more information, go to the Academy Southland website.

Applications close on February 25.