XDL Creating Sports History Yet Again
XDL Creating Sports History Yet Again
The sport of Long Drive (Amatuer) and Xtreme Drivers League (Professional) is now identified as high-performance sport (not GOLF) thanks to the dedication and investment from IGANZ. Since the first New Zealand Championship in 2017 (North Island Champs held off the grid in Papamoa - Golden Sands and the South Island Champs and playoff for New Zealand title held at Clearwater, Christchurch) to the completion of the 30th event in April 2022, one could say that it’s been say dedication is a key factor to the success of the sport. Olna Ford, CEO of IGANZ and founder/owner of XDL and the New Zealand Long Blacks, has been on a mission since 2016 to prove that Long Drive is a stand alone sport whilst promoting the game of golf. It takes five years for a NEW division of sport to be formerly recognised and promoted by the one organisation, and in the height of a global pandemic, Olna’s dream came true when she was congratulated by sports authorities in July 2020 for the hardwork and investment made to grow the sport globally and profile New Zealand and is now listed as National Sports Organisation for both Long Drive and Xtreme Drivers League. With two national teams formed to showcase the sport, 30 events completed in 6 countries, the largest purse paid out in the sports history, and a world first about to launch this June, it’s obvious that the dedication goes well beyond the tee in the IGANZ office.
Laying history on the first year anniversary of IGANZ events with Local Mayor, New Zealand Long Blacks, Captain Paul West, Gareth Campbell and Pap House owner
IGANZ has felt the impact of the pandemic early with sponsors pulling out due to the uncertainty around events. The first day of our nations 2020 lockdown, Olna went frontline to support our national covid response and worked up to 80 hour weeks to do what was necessary to uphold her businesses and sport she has been dedicated to for 6 years. Pandemic savvy, Olna has partnered with an American software company to produce a world first (XDL Virtual Grid) designed by Olna and the team of software experts. The software is ready for world wide launch on the 30th June 2022. Through the many challenges Olna has faced including moving events because of Bushfires in Australia, a major investor loss to a Global Pandemic causing havoc, Olna and her supporters can now reflect with cheer to what has been accomplished.
Olna and some famous faces to Golf and 2 x XDL Champion and New Zealand Long Black Thomas Woods
In 2020 the announcement by sports authorities to list Olna as NSO for the sport has placed IGANZ and New Zealand at the forefront of the sports history. March 2021 Olna and her Captains of the New Zealand Long Blacks walked the Red Carpet at the Halbergs for the first time and December 2021 made the media with a Halberg nomination for Team of the Year (another historical moment for the sport). Most recently on February 17th 2022, Olna and her top female athlete Phillis Meti attended the Governor’s House for the presentation of a Queen’s Honour to Phillis who was nominated by Olna as NSO.
The IGANZ brand looks to grow globally with associates with a focus to establish more club events Nationally so the game of Golf can be supported equally. Olna has sponsored 4 PGA events including 2 Major sponsorships through the pandemic to support the clubs and show dedication to the game of golf.
For your interest to list your club to host an event with XDL go to www.iganz.co.nz