Young athletes to compete at games

FILE

Young athletes from the Bay of Plenty will lace up their sport shoes and put their training to the test at the 38th Colgate Games next month.

The 2016 Colgate Games, New Zealand's National Junior Athletics Championship for children aged seven to 14, has received more than 2000 entrants from up and down the country with 62 from the Bay of Plenty region.

Colgate New Zealand general manager John Garside said he is thrilled to see such a high level of participation.

"The Colgate Games has been bringing sporting children and their proud parents together for many years. It's wonderful to be able to work with the NZCAA and give thousands of aspiring young athletes the opportunity to showcase their talents."

"The two events, this year in Palmerston North and Nelson, are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the hard work amongst our aspiring athletes," he said.

The 2016 Colgate Games ambassador and New Zealand champion 1500m runner Julian Matthews said he 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 in 2016 after competing in the 2015 IAFF World Championships and the 2014 Commonwealth Games, said 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.

The 2016 Colgate Games will see more than 2,000 athletes from more than 100 athletics clubs across New Zealand participate in the two events held in Palmerston North and Nelson in early January. 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.

The North Island Colgate Games will take place at Manawatu Community Athletics Track, Palmerston North on 8-10 January.

The South Island Games will be held at Saxton Oval, Nelson on 15-17 January.