North Island games coming soon | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

RUNNING, jumping and plenty of action will be in ample supply at next years North Island Colgate Games.

The athletic meet is open to all children aged 7 to 14 years, and organisers are hoping for nearly 2000 entries.

Held at Inglewood's TET Stadium, Jubilee Park, the three-day event begins on January 4, with a grand parade at 8.15am.

Athletes aged 7 to 9 years receive first, second and third placings, but all competitors receive participation ribbons.

Athletes aged 10 to 14 years compete in heats, semi finals and finals for the top three placings and medals are given to the winners.

New Zealand selectors will also be present at the games looking for young people to represent New Zealand at the upcoming Pacific School Games in Canberra, Australia next year.

The entire event is open to the public, with refreshments stalls available and plenty of seating.

The organising committee have been working on the event for the past two years and are positive the three days will be a huge success.

The committee are currently finding local and national celebrities to take part in the medal presentations.

The South Island Colgate Games are held a week later at the QE ll Stadium in Christchurch.

The Colgate games will not be held in Taranaki for another eight years.

The Colgate Games are held annually in both the North and the South Islands, and are?coordinated by the New Zealand Children's?Athletic Association Inc.The games are a great athletic and social event, and a chance to meet other athletes from other centres. The emphasis is on participation and enjoyment, and entry is open to any registered athlete.

Organisers are looking for more volunteers, as 30-40 people are needed as runners and up to 150 people needed as officials.

Business sponsorship is also still welcome.

For more information please phone Fay Neilson on (06) 755 0665.

Entries close on Saturday, November 17.