Central Otago youngsters gave it their all at the 2025 South Island Colgate Games in Ōtautahi Christchurch at the weekend.

Thirty-two athletes from the Alexandra and Cromwell Athletics Clubs took part in the competition, some achieving personal bests and having a great time competing. 

Athletes The Central App spoke to said they loved the experience of taking part in the three day competition which encompassed track and field events at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub in Wigram.  

Stellar results were achieved by Alexandra club members including Annabelle Breen who won the 100m girls grade 11 final in 13.94 seconds, placed second in the 200m final, and fourth in long jump. 

Mayson Kingi won silver in the boys grade 13 high jump, clearing 1.74m and setting a new personal best. He also placed third in the long jump making 5.32m.

Alexandra had two fine performances in the girls grade 13 high jump with friends Zoe Reinds winning with a jump of 1.56cm and Kiri Morgan placing fourth with a new personal best of 1.48cm. Kiri also came fourth in discus, throwing 24.96cm. 

Fertia, Fesuiai and Rasela Taiulu with their ribbons earned in field event at the games.

Annabelle Breen with her medals for sprinting.

Zoe Reinds with her gold in high jump. 

Alexandra team manager Kate Groundwater said the weekend had gone smoothly, and she was proud of all of the athletes for doing their best and representing the region admirably. 

Parents commented that due to each youngster only being able to enter five events, part of the challenge was choosing what to compete in, and spacing entries out to ensure the kids could have a rest between events within the programme. 

Team manager for Cromwell Athletics Sarah Browne said it was good for their young club, which is only in its second season of operating, to come and experience all the games had to offer.

“We’re not specialist athletes… for us it’s about the camaraderie, and the friendships that are built at events such as this.”

There was healthy rivalry and competition between the two Central clubs but they were cheering for each other too and families were enjoying time away together exploring Christchurch, Sarah said.

The team from Cromwell Athletics club. PHOTO: Sarah Browne

Strong performances from Cromwell athletes included Archie Jenkinson in boys grade 11 shot put who placed eighth and Lucah Coates who placed seventh in boys grade 12 800m final. 

The Colgate games foster junior athletics in the North and South Island each summer, and have been going for 47 years.

The 1100 South Island participants were aged between seven and 14, and came from across the South and North Island, and some from as far away as New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland to showcase their skills and make new friendships. 

The last time Christchurch hosted the event was in 2020, next year it will be in Nelson. 

Olympic medallist Hamish Kerr attended and signed autographs, the rain stayed away and despite a pesky wind kicking up each afternoon, tight competition and huge grins were on display from all involved. 

PHOTOS: Alexandra and Cromwell Athletics Clubs/Sarah Browne/Clare Toia-Bailey

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