more present around the world. In addition, Olna has reached out to particular agencies to embark on new touring events which will then introduce the sport to London, connecting New Zealand to the opposite side of the world. Furthermore, with innovative and original technologies also due to launch next year, XDL is going to introduce and promote new identities for drive cages, drive balls, a virtual grid, on and off range or road experiences, and a new concept for a Drive and Lounge facility including a virtual competition platform. This is definitely “the only place where you can drink and drive!” Attending the Drive and Lounge facility will be a new experience for those looking to up their game, get the most out of new technologies, and spend time with champions. As a multifaceted concept, these events will touch the hospitality and entertainment industries while nourishing long drive players – no matter their age, gender, or experience. Atop Olna’s success as a business manager taking a stand against sexism in the sports industry, she has been a driving force behind the IGANZ Women brand, which inevitably diversifies the sport and gives women and girls the chance to live out their long drive dreams. Both the Aussie Long Ballers and the New Zealand Long Blacks are home to women’s teams, and Olna has fully supported their development over the last eight years. This much can be said for the IGANZ Kids brand, where children are encouraged to explore their passion for the sport from a young age – giving them the sturdy foundation needed to grow up more able to compete in professional leagues. Additionally, Fruit Guys, a sponsor of the IGANZ Kids events since 2016, continue to provide fresh fruit for young ones and audiences across New Zealand. By cultivating an environment of strength and nourishment for people of all ages and identities, Olna, IGANZ, and XDL deliver a path to success and allow individuals to live out their athletic visions. New Zealand is historically proud of its contribution to the sports landscape and, partnered with international organisations such as wiistream and Kingsman and NZ partners such as Mercedes Benz North Shore, Exact Earthmoving, PowerVault, All Stone and Rock, Westend Concrete, and Design 11, XDL continues to support the athletic ecosystem of the country. Olna gives a special thanks to Mercedes Benz North Shore who has been the Luxury Brand providing Olna, her Champions and national teams with Luxury Vehicles in promotion of Olna’s DRIVING Luxury to the Tee vision. With Olna’s support, in addition to backing from international sponsors and investors, the league is guaranteed to continue on its upward trajectory. Setting the pace for the sport, the New Zealand Long Blacks – comprised of the best players in the realm of long drive – will repeatedly gain recognition for their skill and enthusiasm as they make history for their country. Moreover, with North Island Champs, South Island Champs, and New Zealand Champs this December, as well as the Australian Championship Qualifier in Queensland and national team events, coming soon in mid-2025 to represent past, present, and future – and the global launch of the sport – this year has been thrilling, and next year will definitely follow suit. Highlighted by the New Zealand Sports Minister in 2020, as the first National Sports Organisation for Long Drive for both amateur and professional spheres, XDL was listed by champions during the pandemic. Additionally, the New Zealand Long Blacks were nominated for a Halberg ‘Team of the Year’ in 2021 making the nominations list in media and creating sports history walking the red carpet at this prestigious event. In 2022 Olna’s nominated XDL athlete received a Queen’s Honour, and a second Halberg nomination for Team of the Year was made for the New Zealand Long Black’s win for a 3rd consecutive year in 2023. Here at APAC Insider, we’re committed to celebrating and highlighting those businesses and individuals which ultimately carve out a path of innovation and excellence for themselves and those who will come after them. As our Most Innovative Sports Business Founder 2024, Olna has gained our recognition for the second consecutive year in our APAC Business Awards – further solidifying her position as a leading light in the corporate and sporting landscapes. XDL is a multi-award-winning league with such exciting plans coming into fruition for 2025, and more years to come. Because of this, Olna and XDL are guaranteed to contribute magnificent moments to the history of the sport. Just recently, Olna partnered with a new stakeholder and visionary partner for XDL’s Australian expansion. Dr. Chenggen Hu, CEO of Wanfront Sports & Media now owns shares in the Aussie Long Ballers – one of XDL’s premier teams – and will serve as the International Long Drive Federation Host for Australia. This partnership is spearheaded by Olna herself, who tells us, “We are honored to welcome Dr. Hu into the XDL family. Together, we will elevate Long Drive in Australia, offering fans unparalleled experiences and redefining the sport on a global scale. ” With unique benefits to share with Dr. Hu, XDL Australia is set to skyrocket in 2025, and the venues and dates for Australian events are soon to follow. We’re excited to see XDL’s future unfold as Olna continually supports the company as well as the individuals and teams which surround her. Here’s to a strong future of collaboration and the rich, trailblazing energy and experience Xtreme Drivers League brings to long drive. Contact Details: Contact: Olna Ford Company: Xtreme Drivers League Web Address: https://xdlworldwide.com/
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