Southland Sport
- Academy Southland celebrated athletes’ international achievements and announced a new sponsor for 2025.
- Graduates shone on the world stage, including at the Paris Olympics and JuniorGP races.
- The programme’s partnerships continue to support young Southland athletes and foster growth.
Academy Southland has celebrated a monumental year, highlighted by international success stories from its athletes and a new major sponsorship agreement. The programme, which will mark its 20th anniversary next year, supports Southland’s promising young sportspeople, providing pathways to national and international success.
Track cyclists Caitlin Kelly and Riley Faulkner showcased their talent, earning silver in the team sprint at the junior world championships. Other standout participants included Jack Heslip in claybird shooting and Noah Smith in taekwondo, both of whom represented New Zealand at their respective junior world championships.
Recognising Commitment And Leadership
Jack Heslip was honoured for his dedication during the Foundation Year of the programme. Academy coordinator Carly Anderson praised his commitment, saying, “Jack has shown plenty of dedication this year, including regularly travelling from Te Anau to take part in the programme. His attention to detail and his willingness to follow up with providers and include his support team have been a standout.”
In the Leadership Year, recognition was shared between runner James McLeay and motorbike racer Cormac Buchanan. McLeay’s stellar year included a national title, participation in world cross-country and track events, and academic achievements. Manager Jason McKenzie highlighted, “James is achieving at a level very few Southland athletes have before, and we’ve also seen him grow as a person a lot over the past two years. He has become a real leader at Southland Boys’ High School, and his academic achievements are also superb.”
Cormac Buchanan finished an impressive season, securing fifth place overall in the FIM JuniorGP and becoming the first New Zealander in nearly 25 years to sign a Moto3 contract. “Cormac continues to make history in his sport and, despite being based overseas for much of the year, he has engaged with the programme whenever possible. We are excited to follow the next chapter in his career,” McKenzie added.
Representing New Zealand On The World Stage
Five Academy Southland graduates competed at the Paris Olympics, achieving remarkable results. Black Ferns sevens player Alena Saili secured her second Olympic gold medal, and Nicole Shields was a silver medallist in the women’s team pursuit.
Exciting Partnerships And Future Sponsorship
The programme’s collaboration with High Performance Sport New Zealand and Active Southland’s Rangatahi Leadership Programme is fostering long-term athlete development. Talented rugby league player Sualo Lafoga has been among the latest to benefit.
Looking ahead, the Academy welcomes ILT as its naming sponsor for 2025. McKenzie expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This is a partnership that just makes sense for us.”
ILT president Paddy O’Brien said, “Programmes like the Academy not only help athletes excel but also equip them with essential life skills and valuable perspectives along the way. As a region, we take pride in our strong sporting culture, and programmes like the Academy play a big part in that success.”
Academy Southland continues to receive vital support from Community Trust South and ILT Foundation, ensuring its athletes are primed for success in the years to come.