The newly formed Academy Otago, a joint venture between the New Zealand Academy of Sport South Island (ASI) and the Otago Community Trust, aims to bridge the gap between up-and-coming athletes and the academy's carding programme.
"The carding system at the Academy of Sport is getting even harder," Horo said.
"A few years ago, sports were given so many cards to use up but that is decreasing. So the gap between where they are at now and getting to the carded system has increased. This programme is trying to bridge that gap."
Carded athletes are eligible for an allocation of services as determined by their National Sport Organisation.
Thirteen athletes were selected and lessons got under way yesterday. Guest speakers included former junior downhill mountain bike world champion Scarlett Hagen, dual basketball and cricket international Suzie Bates and Olympic sprinter Chris Donaldson.
It is a two-year programme and Horo said the athletes, who were aged from 16 to 20, and their coaches would benefit from the ASI's resources, expertise and advice.
The programme included strength and conditioning, sports psychology, lifestyle management and nutrition, which looked at food shopping and cooking.
Successful athletes would also give seminars to both inspire and inform the next generation of potential champions, Horo said.
Academy Otago was based on talent development programmes already running in Southland and Canterbury.
Competition for places was intense. Selection was based on performance, potential, ranking and ability to achieve carded status and go on to represent New Zealand.
"We had 35 applicants across 15 different sporting codes and we had to narrow that down to the 13 we've ended up selecting," Horo said.
"We were looking at 12 but we're pretty confident we've got the right people."
Marshall Hall (20) is arguably the most accomplished athlete. He is the New Zealand men's discus champion and has set his sights on selection for the 2016 Olympic Games.
The group also includes a trio of talented swimmers in Phoebe Williams, Katie Kenneally and Shane Patience, and promising Taieri College cyclists Brad Evans and Charlotte Kelly.
• Academy Otago - Athletes 2009:
Marshall Hall and Todd Johnston (athletics), Cara Raal (squash), Brad Evans and Charlotte Kelly (cycling), Kane Russell (hockey), Greir Campbell (netball), Robert Mears (rowing), Phoebe Williams, Katie Kenneally and Shane Patience (swimming), Reubyn Bisschops (triathlon), Chelsea Whitburn (yachting).
