Two years into her aerobics career, 11-year-old Alex Cope cleaned up at the regional competition and now she is packing her bags to jump on to the national stage.

Alex will be among 31 athletes who will represent Southland at the annual New Zealand Competitive Aerobic Federation national aerobics championship in Wellington next weekend.

The event includes both individual and group competitions for all ages.

Alex, from Windsor North School, in Invercargill, said she had always wanted to be a cheerleader and aerobics was the next best thing.

"I liked what it looked like when the other girls did it and I thought I should have a shot at it," she said.

Teacher and coach Aleisha Scott said Alex had worked really hard to get this far.

"She practises every day. She works so hard; she's so dedicated," she said. "It's very impressive for someone who has just started."

Federation president Sean Cresswell said a new category for adults had attracted one entry from Southland. There have been 170 entries for this year's event and Southland would be strongly represented, Mr Cresswell said.

The competition is on September 22 and 23 in Wellington, with the awards presentation on Sunday.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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