Most Innovative Sports Business Founder 2024: Olna Ford Supported by the International Golf Associates New Zealand (IGANZ), Xtreme Drivers League has swiftly made a name for itself as a global leader revolutionising the sport of long drive. Home to the New Zealand Long Blacks, XDL is an award-winning national sports league for the high-performance sport and, here, we’re proud to celebrate its Founder and Owner Olna Ford. In 1974, the long drive event took off and became much more common in the extreme sports sphere. Then, it was 2016 when the rules for long drive changed significantly, elevating the sport and resulting in the same restrictions which pro tour players had to abide by. This alteration of the rules solidified the sport’s legitimacy and guaranteed a more fair approach when people stepped up to play. Fast forward to recent years, namely 2018, the New Zealand Long Blacks made history at The Kinloch Club, Taupo, when they won the Trans-Tasman Clash and were awarded with the Darren Wise – Stingray for the very first time. The New Zealand Long Blacks, under the guiding hand of IGANZ’s Xtreme Drivers League (XDL), have become a globally renowned long drive team of dedicated athletes looking to enrich the sport and grow their presence even further. Through its top-tier XDL, IGANZ is set to become a global leader in sports by bringing the underappreciated sport of long drive to new markets and establishing a new spectator sport that people everywhere can enjoy. Based on honesty, integrity, innovation, and fair play, the IGANZ serves a wide range of customers, from golfers and enthusiastic drivers to sponsors and partners. It also offers a wide range of services, with Olna and her team of driven professionals offering drive training, event management, event organisation, and player management, among other things. Proudly introducing CEO of IGANZ and Founder and Owner of XDL Olna Ford: the “Entrepreneur Queen of Long Drive”, we’d like to demonstrate her contribution to the world of long drive, and the elevation of the athletic mindset in general. Steeped in years of experience, Olna has led XDL with determination, commitment to excellence, and an unbeatable passion for success in the highperformance sport of long drive since 2016. Transforming the extreme sports landscape, Olna has focused on the success of the New Zealand Long Blacks, Aussie Long Ballers, and the XDL – the national organisation for the illustrious sport. Olna’s own tremendous story of growth and strength within the sports industry is noteworthy and inspiring as she has dedicated much of her life to athletics, team building, and professional development. Beginning her professional journey as a 12-time beauty pageant winner as well as model in the sports industry, Olna stepped into a world that would allow her to blossom. She has been featured on the covers of many magazines and billboards, on television, and has been heard on the radio for the advertising and live promotions of The Total Fitness Company. Over the years, Olna has contributed to charities through her dedication to extreme endurance events such as the 36 hour walk from Hamilton to Auckland, 24 hour treadmill run at Arnold Schwarzenegger’s fitness weekend, and more. She has also represented and been sponsored by some of the top names in the world of fitness, such as Nike, Oct24275 Puma, Shiseido, Ray Bans, Adidas, Asics, Reebok, Chrysler, Toyota, Fujifilm, Line 7, Speedo, and DFS. In 2016, Olna became the CEO of IGANZ and Founder & Owner of the New Zealand Long Blacks, Aussie Long Ballers, and XDL. Her love for sport increased immensely over the years of working and modelling in the industry, and she has since flourished further with promoting, investing, and growing the sport of Long Drive in her region – and beyond. Investing in the future of the sport, Olna’s work as CEO of IGANZ has resulted in the eightcompany collective’s growth, eight registered trademarks, and the two incredible national teams making long drive even more exciting than ever before. Already hosting 38 successful events spanning eight countries, Olna has been spreading the word of long drive and the teams with whom she works. With further plans in the pipeline to expand the sport’s presence in over 50 countries with Government officials, continue representing XDL Champions for unmissable endorsement opportunities, and raise awareness of the sport for individuals everywhere. Olna told us she is working tirelessly to grow the sport with juniors and students – with a school programme being introduced in 2025. She is also looking forward to XDL’s transition into the realm of e-sports, and even covering new ground with the official XDL Competition Grid already positioned in the USA. This new project is all part of XDL’s landmarking within the highperformance sport’s history, and Olna is excited to be part of the process. This land mass will be a home away from home for the team and it will inspire further grids to be landscaped for the future of the sport that will support her International hosts, federation partners, and the upcoming Special Buckley Series arriving in 2025. As it is Olna’s lifetime commitment to sport which has truly assisted this new transition, XDL’s journey to becoming even 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. “The Entrepreneur Queen of Long Drive”
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