More than 1000 young athletes from across the North Island will descend on Tauranga Domain this weekend for one of New Zealand’s most iconic junior sporting events.

The three-day 2026 North Island Colgate Games runs from January 9-11, with 1344 athletes aged 7 to 14 competing in a wide range of track and field events.

Competition begins at 8am each day and concludes at 5pm on Sunday.

An official opening ceremony and athletes’ march-past on Thursday marked the formal start of the games, celebrating the hundreds of clubs and families taking part.

Organised by Athletics New Zealand with the support of Colgate-Palmolive, the Colgate Games are the largest athletics competition for children in the country and a cornerstone of New Zealand’s junior athletics calendar. Established in 1978, the event is one of the longest continuous sports sponsorships in New Zealand.

The three-day 2026 North Island Colgate Games runs from January 9-11, with 1344 athletes aged 7 to 14 competing in a wide range of track and field events. Photo/ Supplied

The annual games are made up of the North Island Colgate Games and the South Island Colgate Games, which are being held in Nelson next weekend.

“The Colgate Games are the heartbeat of junior athletics in New Zealand. Seeing more than 2300 kids lining up this summer is incredible,” Athletics New Zealand head of track and field events Keegan McCauley said.

“These events aren’t just about competition; they’re about creating lifelong memories and new friendships, and building the fundamental skills that athletics helps develop in our tamariki. Tauranga and Nelson are going to be buzzing.”

2024 Olympic champion and 2025 world champion, high jumper Hamish Kerr, will join in the action in Tauranga as the North Island ambassador.

Entry is open to any child aged 7 to 14 who is a member of an Athletics New Zealand-affiliated club. The emphasis is on participation, enjoyment and personal achievement.

For athletes aged 7 to 9, the focus is on fun and encouragement, with ribbons and recognition celebrating effort and involvement. For those aged 10 to 14, medals are awarded in each event, adding an extra layer of competition while still maintaining the games’ inclusive and supportive atmosphere.

The Colgate Games are the largest athletics competition for children in the country and a cornerstone of New Zealand’s junior athletics calendar. Photo/ Supplied

Athletes can compete in up to five individual events, as well as relays, across a packed programme that includes sprints from 60m to 1500m, jumps, throws and team events.

The Colgate Games have long been recognised as a breeding ground for future athletic talent, with many of NZ’s top athletes having competed at the event during their early years.

“We’re seeing unprecedented engagement at the grassroots level. Kids are inspired by the success of Kiwi athletes on the world stage, and the Colgate Games is where that dream begins. Colgate’s continued support means we can keep growing this event and creating opportunities for young athletes nationwide,” Athletics New Zealand chief executive Cam Mitchell said.

A highlight of the weekend will be the presentation of the Nick Willis Scholarships, named after Olympic medallist and former Colgate Games competitor Nick Willis, and awarded to outstanding athletes aged 10 to 14. Since 2013, eight scholarships — four in the North Island and four in the South Island — have been presented annually in recognition of exceptional performance, character and sportsmanship.