"So to win a medal you know you have done well. Most of the kids are rapt if they can set personal bests and that is the one thing we have always stressed with the kids who go there is win or lose, if you are setting personal bests in whatever you are doing then you can walk away very happily.
"It is also a lot of fun. There is a great atmosphere there. It is almost like a mini-Commonwealth Games for children and amongst the competitors it has a very good feel about it too so kids come away from it with a real neat experience."
Next year's Colgate Games ambassador is New Zealand champion 1500m runner Julian Matthews who is excited to check out the sporting talent on offer at this year's games.
"I remember when I competed at the Colgate Games, it was the most nervous I had ever been, but having the opportunity to compete against a great calibre of athletes really prepared me for my professional sporting career today."
Matthews, who is aiming for the Olympics next year after competing in this year's IAFF World Championships and last year's Commonwealth Games, says the games provide great competition and it's vital for young athletes to experience the competitive atmosphere.
"It's also important to realise that it's not always about winning," he said.
As well as medal glory, Nick Willis Scholarships are on offer to athletes who have outstanding performances throughout the Colgate Games. The scholarship gives recipients funds to put towards sports gear, coaching, travel and other resources to help them achieve their athletics goals.
-Information: www.nzchildrensathletics.co.nz
