More than a thousand young athletes converged on the capital in January to run, jump and throw in New Zealand’s largest junior athletics competition.

Aged between 7 and 14 from around the North Island, athletes competed in various disciplines at Newtown Park in Wellington. Established in 1978, the Colgate Games is one of the longest continuous sports sponsorships in New Zealand and encourages generations of young Kiwis to give athletics a go.

Each year, Colgate and Athletics New Zealand provide eight scholarships worth $500 each for athletes who display outstanding ability. The eight scholarships, four awarded each in the North and South Islands, are named after Colgate Games alumnus, Nick Willis, and the funds will go towards helping the winning athletes achieve their athletics goals.

When Year 11 student Amponsaa Tabi-Amponsah attended the games, little did she realise she would become the recipient of a Nick Willis Scholarship. After winning the Under-14 100m, 200m and the long jump, Amponsaa completed a very successful meeting. She was presented the scholarship by Nick Willis’ father. Congratulations, Amponsaa on this well-deserved accolade.

Article added: Friday 18 February 2022