Author Archives: Colgate Women's Games

The Nation’s Largest Track Series For Girls Produces World-Class Athletes and Exceptional Young Women

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dec. 14-16, 2019 -- This weekend's opening preliminary meet of the Colgate Women's Games was the first event since the passing of its founder, Fred Thompson. Thompson's contribution to the sport extended well beyond mentoring and coaching dozens of Olympians and world-class athletes; his self-proclaimed greatest accomplishment was the creation of what has become both an incubator for young athletic talent, and a venue that provides girls and young women a means to develop self-esteem and a sense of personal achievement. Thompson was inducted into the US Track and Field Hall of Fame on December 7, 2019.

Sandra Parick-Farmer one of countless women who trace their success in school, athletics, or their personal or professional lives back to Brooklyn at the Colgate Women's Games was also inducted to the Hall of Fame.

The Games have produced an astounding 26 Olympians, hundreds of national champions, and just this October, a number of women who competed in the Games throughout grade-school won gold medals at the 2019 IAAF World Track and Field Championships in Doha, Qatar.

Brooklyn to Boston, Newcomers and Returning Champions Achieve Personal Records!

On Friday in the High School division, thousands came from all over the East Coast from as far as Boston to set a fast opening pace. Newcomer Maya Dorer, a tenth grader from Brooklyn's St. Joseph High School, scored a double win with a personal best 2:16.72 in the 800 meters and ran 4:47.48 in the 1500 meters; returning Colgate Games' finalist Dayahanna Douglas, also a sophomore from Brooklyn (Midwood High School), won the 55 meters in a personal best 7.16.

Peyton Rollins, a junior Olympic champion, long-time participant and returning finalist, is one of several girls who travel all the way from Boston. Peyton won the 55 meter-hurdles in 8:13. Jadah Fitzgerald of John Adams High school in Queens won the 200 meters in 26.04; Alina LaForest of St. Basil Academy, Jenkintown, PA won the 400 meters in 58.97; Selah Dungey of Newark Academy won the high jump, clearing the bar at 5'2" and Denae Hill of West Orange High School, NJ won the shot put with a toss of 12.13M.

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint said, "The Colgate Women's Games have always been much more than a competition for athletic talent. Fred Thompson had a vision to provide a means for girls of any ability to challenge them to discover their own potential. The distance so many are willing to travel, and the incredible commitment of so many families, friends and coaches who encourage and support their girls and young women, are a testimony to the importance of his legacy."

Saturday in the Mid School division, four-time Colgate Women's Games' record-holder Avery Lewis of Friends' Central in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, won the 55 meters in 7.03, and the 200 meters in 24.95. Ron-niah Wright, a returning finalist all the way from Stone Mountain, Georgia, won the 55 meter-hurdles in 8.35 and Kaela Swift of Brooklyn's Success Academy won the 400 meters in 1:01:3. Last year's Elementary B Finals champion Da'mira Allen of Northly Middle School in Aston, PA won the 800 meters in 2:25.49; Payton Drumwright of Carver Engineering and Science in Philadelphia, won the 1500 meters in 5:03.47; Alanna Woolfolk of Clayton Middle School in New Jersey cleared the high jump bar at 5'4" for the win, and Shalisha Robertson of Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School in New Haven, Connecticut won the shot put with a 9.44M toss.

Also Saturday, the College/Open division included several nationally ranked athletes. Results are available at colgategame.com/results

Returning Finalists Open Strong!

On Sunday, the Elementary B division featured returning finalists placing first in every event. Sophia Cope of Coles School, Scotch Plains, NJ won the 55 meters in 8.13. Alyssa Durant of Happy Hollow Middle School in Boston, MA won the 55 meter-hurdles in 11.59, and the High Jump bar clearing 4'2" a personal record; Sydney Chadwick of St. Mathew School in Edison, NJ won the 400 meters in 1:07.74, also a personal record; Rhia Randolph of Philp's Academy in Newark, NJ won the 200 meters in 29.05; Paige Sheppard of St. Bartholomew Academy in Scotch Plains, NJ, won the 800 in 2:33.23.

Also Sunday, the Elementary A division featured newcomers from as far as Massachusetts, and 30's Plus competitors featured nationally ranked athletes, several of who have competed since elementary school.

Participation in the Colgate Women's Games is completely free. Girls and young women compete within their own grade divisions for ribbons, medals and points.

Four preliminary meets and a semi-finals at Pratt Institute will determine who will compete at the finals at the New Balance Track and Field Center at The Armory, New York Saturday, February 1, 20 where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each grade division.

Promising young track stars, parents, coaches and recruiters can find information about the program and follow results at https://www.colgategames.com/results.

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/I1iV46-kfxg

IMAGES FOR MEDIA
[1] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1216s2p-cwg-Elementary-B-comps-300dpi.jpg
CAPTION: "Elementary B participants at the opening preliminary meet of the 46th annual Colgate Women's Games at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn NY on Sunday.

[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1216s2p-cwg-Elementary-A-comps-300dpi.jpg
CAPTION: Elementary A competitors at the opening preliminary meet of the nation's largest track and field series for women, the Colgate Women's Games, on Sunday in Brooklyn, NY.

Dec. 14-16, 2019 -- This weekend's opening preliminary meet of the Colgate Women's Games was the first event since the passing of its founder, Fred Thompson. Thompson's contribution to the sport extended well beyond mentoring and coaching dozens of Olympians and world-class athletes.

Related link: http://www.colgategames.com/

East Coast Top Track Stars Head to Finals of 45th Anniversary Colgate Women’s Games

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- From an initial field of thousands of girls and young women from all over the East Coast, some 226 top point-scorers in divisions from elementary school-through-college-and-beyond, have earned their way to the finals of the 45th Anniversary Colgate Women's Games (Jan. 20, 2019 - Pratt Institute). Persevering through four preliminary meets and a semi-final, athletes in every age division have emerged as some of the country's finest athletic talent, with many scoring their personal best of this indoor season at the nation's largest track and field series for women.

Saturday's semi-finals at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn saw fierce competition as top contenders in every division left it all on the track in their race to the finals.

In the Elementary A Division: Khloe Khan of Brooklyn's PS 107 heads to the finals undefeated, finishing first in the 55 meters in 8.88. In the 200 meters, Maya Wyche of Philips Academy Charter School in Newark, NJ crossed the tape in 32.50 in a photo finish with Jocelyn Marie Germain of Roslyn Elementary, Roslyn, PA, who finished second in 32.73. Jocelyn still leads Maya by just one point (50-49) headed to the Armory finals. In the 400 meters, Karly Datilus of KIPP Thrive Academy in Newark, NJ took first place with a personal record performance of 1:15.86, an upset win over Philadelphia's Lauren Broadus of Charles W. Henry School, who finished third in 1:17.71, after Savannah Bonhomme of The Bridges Academy in West Islip, NY, who placed second in 1:16.35. In the 800 meters, Aisha Wajid of Grand Concourse Academy in the Bronx remains in first place after her win 2:43.92. In the high jump, Amora Johnson of Community School 21 in Brooklyn cleared the bar at 3'6" and now leads Faizah Salami of Community Partner Charter School in Queens by four points.

In the Elementary B Division: In the 55 meters, sprint sensation and last year's Colgate Women's Games Finals' champion Amirah Nesmith of St. Helena Incarnation of Philadelphia, had a perfect undefeated season after placing first in 7.92. In the 55-meter hurdles, Kiara Davis of Wilbur Elementary in Bear, DE also enjoyed an undefeated season, placing first in 9.90. Davis also set a division High Jump record this season when she cleared 4'9.25" at the third preliminary meet. In the 200 meters, Jayleciah Wilson of PS 121 in the Bronx won in 28.70. In the 400 meters, Julia Grant of Stroudsburg MS in PA, placed first with her fastest performance of the series; 1:02.26. In the 800 meters, last year's undefeated finals' champion Da'mira Allen of Chichester MS in Boothwyn, PA, returns to the finals in first place, after her win in 2:25.52. In the High Jump, Ebony Turner of Timothy Christian School in Piscataway, NJ cleared 4'4" for the win.

In the Mid School Division: Mahaya Jones of Belmont Charter in Philadelphia placed first in 7:58 in the 55 meters. In the 55-meter hurdles, Taleea Buxton of Young Scholars CS in Philadelphia placed first in 8.38. Tai Sheppard of Brooklyn's Community Partnership Charter School placed second in 8.54. The pair has been trading wins all series, separated by only 5 points with Buxton ahead leading into the finals. In the 200 meters, three time Colgate Women's Games record-holder and Junior Olympic champion Avery Lewis of West Town School in West Chester, PA, placed first in 25.50, capping off another perfect season, undefeated in both sprint events through the series. In the 400 meters, Eyota Bey of Cedarbrook Middle School in Philadelphia placed first in 59.47. In the 800 meters, Maameyaa Myinah of Woodbridge, NJ won in 2:24.87. In another photo finish, rare for a 1500-meter race, Juliette Salazar of Peekskill Middle School placed first in 4:45.69, with Rainn Sheppard of Community Partnership Charter School in Brooklyn crossing second in 4:58.76. Sheppard has improved every meet through the series, finishing with her best performance on Saturday. Rowan Houston of Rye Country Day School, Rye, NY finished undefeated in the High Jump, clearing 5'0" for the win, In the Shot Put, Jada McCown of Hooker MS in New Haven, CT tossed 9.32M, her season's best for the win.

In the High School Division: In the 55 meters, Michel Parker of Promise Academy in Manhattan crossed the tape in 7.39; an upset victory over first place Rori Lowe of Christopher Columbus Campus Pelham Prep in the Bronx, who came in second in 7.45. With the win, Parker moves into a 3rd place tie headed to the finals. In the 55 meter hurdles, Anjoli Mathews of Brookline High School in MA, took first place in 8.38, her best race of the season, ahead of Peyton Rollins of Buckingham Browne & Nichols School in Cambridge, MS who placed second, and Phoebe Myers of Young Women's Leadership School in Queens, NY who placed third in 8.50. Headed to the finals as one of the most competitive events, it's Myers, Mathew and Rollins from first through third place. In the 200 meters, Brianna White of Bishop Loughlin in Brooklyn, placed first in 25.65; and Maya Cheatham of Young Women's Leadership School in Queens surprised with a second place finish in 26.62, by finishing ahead of second place Brianna Brown of Collegiate Institute of Math and Science in the Bronx, who finished third in 26.72.

In the 400 meters, Madison Brown of P-Tech Early College High School in Brooklyn ran her best race this series to win in 59.59, an upset victory over first place Kaitlyn Cepeda of Park East High School in Manhattan, who finished second in 59.71. Brown remains in third place headed to the finals, two points behind second place Jadah Fitzgerald of Canarsie High School in Brooklyn. In the 800 meters, Adia Palmer of Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn finished undefeated with a win in 2:19.75. In the 1500 meters, Isabel Stronski of Rye Country Day School placed first in 5:02.11. In the High Jump, My'Khiyah Williams of Benjamin Banneker Academy in Brooklyn who holds the Mid School High Jump record, cleared 5'4" for the win. Mariam Cisse of Promise Academy II in Manhattan tossed 11.24M for the win in the Shot Put.

College / Open and 30's Plus division results are available at https://www.colgategames.com/.

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint thanked all of this year's participants, coaches and parents, and reflected upon how the goals of the long-running, much celebrated series have remained true for 45 years. "The Colgate Women's Games provides a healthy means for young people to challenge themselves in an atmosphere of friendly competition; empowering them with self-esteem that will last a lifetime," she said.

"To all coaches, parents and friends, thank you for your commitment to get to Pratt through all types of weather, some from great distances throughout the series. Each of you makes a tremendous contribution toward a more positive future for those you encourage and support. We hope you have enjoyed every minute of your experience," she said.

The Games' goal is also about the importance of continued education. All finalists in grade divisions must submit their attendance records, and an essay to the meet director to be eligible to compete. The essay topic appears at https://www.colgategames.com/.

The Colgate Women's Games boast more than 26 Olympic alumnae, hundreds of Junior Olympians and age-division national champions, and countless changed lives. Each year, high school participants are among the most heavily recruited athletes by colleges and universities across the nation. Coaches, recruiters, athletes and fans can follow scores each week at https://www.colgategames.com/.

The finals of the 45th anniversary Colgate Women's Games will take place on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Armory, NYC. Tickets to the Armory finals are free by request at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/45th-anniversary-colgate-womens-games-finals-at-the-armory-track-nyc-tickets-39450263801

From an initial field of thousands of girls and young women from all over the East Coast, some 226 top point-scorers in divisions from elementary school-through-college-and-beyond, have earned their way to the finals of the 45th Anniversary Colgate Women's Games (Jan. 20, 2019 - Pratt Institute). Persevering through four preliminary meets and a semi-final, athletes in every age division have emerged as some of the country's finest athletic talent, with many scoring their personal best of this indoor season at the nation's largest track and field series for women.

Related link: http://www.colgategames.com/

Nation’s Best Track Talent Head to Semi-Finals of 45th Anniversary Colgate Women’s Games

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- From an initial field of thousands, some 445 girls and young women from elementary-school-through-college and beyond, have persevered through four preliminary meets at Pratt Institute and scored points to earn a spot in the semi-finals of the nation's largest track series for women, the 45th anniversary Colgate Women's Games Track and Field Series (Jan. 5-7, 2019).

From all over the East Coast, as far as Georgia to Massachusetts, these gifted young competitors include some of the nation's top-ranked athletes in their events and divisions performing at the peak of their talent, including an Elementary B high jump record by a fifth grader from Delaware, and dozens of newly-crowned Junior Olympians setting personal records throughout the series. All point-scorers are eligible to compete in the semi-finals on January 19, 2019 at Pratt.

In the High School division on Friday, Brooklyn's Brianna White placed first in the 55 meters in 7.39 just ahead of Rori Lowe of the Bronx, who placed second in 7.41. White has been running her personal best this indoor season at Pratt and Rowe leads White by only three points heading into the semi-finals. White also won the 200 meters in 25.61 ahead of Junior Olympic Champion Brianna Brown of the Bronx, who placed second in 25.72, creating a 48-point tie.

In a fiercely competitive 55 meter-hurdles race, Phoebe Myers of Queens finished first in 8.45, just ahead of Anjoli Mathew of Brookline, MA in 8.48. Junior Olympic Champion and last year's Mid School hurdles champion Peyton Rollins of Cambridge, MA finished third in 8.51. Rollins and Mathew continue to make the drive from the Boston area. Kaitlyn Cepeda of Manhattan and Adia Palmer of Brooklyn both remained undefeated; Cepeda won the 400 meters in 59.99, and Palmer won the 800 meters in 2:19.58. Isabel Stronski of Rye, NY won the 1500 meters in 4:58.36.

Mid School High Jump Record holder My'Khiyah Williams cleared 5'4" for the win, and Manhattan's Mariam Chase won the shot put with a toss of 11.11 meters.

While the Colgate Women's Games have produced hundreds of national champions and boast 26 Olympians as alumnae, Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint says the Colgate Women's Games were founded to reach and impact the many thousands who are new to the sport or organized competition in general, giving everyone an opportunity to shine and share the spotlight.

"Our goal is to provide a fun, friendly, yet competitive environment where young participants can discover their talent and harness their skills in track and field, while at the same time fostering the importance of pursuit of education. The experience of competing in a series affords participants the opportunity to grow from week to week, building self-esteem and a sense of personal achievement that will surely have a positive impact on their lives," Toussaint said. "We encourage all participants, especially those of you who did not reach this year's semi-finals, to continue to persevere both on and off the field, and we hope you will join us again next year."

Saturday in the Mid School division, national sprint sensation and four-time Colgate Women's Games' record-holder Avery Lewis of West Chester, PA made it a perfect undefeated season. Lewis won the 55 meters in 7.35, and the 200M in 25.05. The Junior Olympic champion also has amassed an incredible five dozen (60) first-place wins in a wide variety of events at major East Coast and regional track and field events. Ashey Fulton of Elmont, NY deserves mention for consecutively placing second; this week in 7.65. Fulton is also a Junior Olympic Champion, who achieved her personal record time 7.44 the first meet of the series.

Eyota Bey of Wyncote, PA won the 400 in 59.9, with Tori Daniels of Valley Stream, NY a close second in 1:00.57. With Bey in first place, only one point separates the pair, 47 to 46 headed to the semi-finals. Juliette Salazar scored double win in the distance races; placing first in the 800 meters in 2:23.26, and the 1500 meters in 4:54.55. Rowan Houston cleared 5'4" in the High Jump, finishing undefeated; and Jada McCown of New Haven, CT won the shot put with her best toss of the season, 9.08 meters.

Sunday in the Elementary B division, three young superstars finished with double wins. Philadelphia's Amirah Nesmith, last year's 55 meters champion, won both the 55 meters in 8:01 and the 200 meters in 8.26, for an undefeated season. Kiara Davis of Bear, DE who set a high jump record (4'9.25") last week, won the 55 meter-hurdles in 10.29, and cleared the bar at 4'7" for the win, also enjoying an undefeated season; and Da'Mira Allen of Boothwyn, PA won the 400 meters in 1:02.07, and the 800 meters in 2:25.52.

In the Elementary A division, Lauren Broadus of Philadelphia had a phenomenal day with a double win, placing first in the 200 meters in 32.25 and the 400 meters in 1:11.35, both her best performances of the series. Khloe Khan of Brooklyn finished undefeated in the 55 meters with a 9.09, and Aisha Wajid of the Bronx, one of the youngest Junior Olympic champions, won the 800 meters in 2:44.17. Additional outstanding performances and results for all divisions are available at http://colgategames.com/results.

45th Anniversary honors dozens of seniors, and longest competing athletes.

The Colgate Women's Games isn't just the nation's largest series of its kind, but also the longest-running corporate-sponsored event for women's athletics. Many athletes have participated for decades, and some have even participated every season from Elementary A all the way through 30's plus divisions!

Semi-finalists will compete on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Pratt Institute to determine finalists who will compete at the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory, NYC Saturday, February 2, 2019, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each grade division.

Coaches, recruiters, athletes and fans can follow scores each week at http://www.colgategames.com/. Tickets to the Armory finals are free by request.

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/I1iV46-kfxg

From an initial field of thousands, some 445 girls and young women from elementary-school-through-college and beyond, have persevered through four preliminary meets at Pratt Institute and scored points to earn a spot in the semi-finals of the nation's largest track series for women, the 45th anniversary Colgate Women's Games Track and Field Series (Jan. 5-7, 2019).

Related link: http://www.colgategames.com/

Fifth Grader Breaks High Jump Record at Third Preliminary of the Nation’s Largest Track and Field Series for Women

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Thousands of athletes from all over the East Coast, from first-grade through college and beyond, competed this weekend at the third preliminary of the nation's largest women's amateur track and field series, the Colgate Women's Games (Dec. 28-30, 2018).

Local contenders and nationally ranked talent in every division continued to excel, and in the last event of the holiday weekend on Sunday, Kiara Davis of Wilbur Elementary School in Bear, DE broke the Elementary B High Jump record clearing the bar at 4-feet 9.25-inches. Davis had been tying My'khiyah Williams' record 4-feet 9-inches in both earlier preliminaries, and ended an exciting weekend of competition with the record breaking performance. Williams, now a senior at Benjamin Banneker Academy Brooklyn, NY still holds the Mid School record at 5-feet 6 inches, and is presently in first place in the High School division. Davis also won her division's 55 meter-hurdles in 10.24.

From Boston to Brooklyn, High School Junior Olympic Champions Peyton Rollins and Anjoli Mathew Travel Eight Hours for an 8 Second Chase

In the High School division on Friday, two-time Junior Olympic champion and last year's Mid school champion, Peyton Rollins of Buckingham Brown & Nichols School in Cambridge, MA, won the 55-meter hurdles in 8.53; Rollins who travels more than 210 miles from the Boston area to Brooklyn each meet is a freshman competing against some of the nation's best High School talent, including Anjoli Mathew another Junior Olympic champion from Brookline High School also in Massachusetts, who placed second in 8.61.

Michel Parker of Promise Academy in Manhattan improved from a fifth place finish last week surprising a fiercely competitive field with a 55 meters win in 7.39. Brianna White of Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn won the 200 meters in 25.63; Kaitlyn Cepeda from Park East High School in Manhattan, remains undefeated in the 400 meters after her win in 59.29; Adia Palmer of Bishop Loughlin also remains undefeated after winning the 800 meters in 2:20.67; Isabel Stronski of Rye Country Day School in Rye, NY, won the 1500 in 5:00.09. Two-time Colgate Games' High Jump record holder My'khiyah Williams cleared 5-feet 4-inches for the win; and Mariam Chase also of Promise Academy retook the lead in the shot put with a new personal best toss of 11.49.

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint said "We're again so pleased at the number of families who chose to spend New Year's weekend with us cheering on their girls. With so many returning stars and newly crowned AAU Junior Olympians competing, this season's competition is turning out to be as fun, fierce and better than ever."

National Champions and Junior Olympians Lead Mid School Events

Saturday in the Mid School division, national sprint sensation and four-time Colgate Women's Games' record holder Avery Lewis of Westtown School, West Chester, PA scored her third consecutive double win. Lewis won the 55 meters in 7.32, and the 200M in 25.8. Tai Sheppard of Community Partnership Charter School in Brooklyn, retook first place in the 55- meter hurdles with a win in 8.48; Sheppard has been trading wins with Taleea Buxton of Philadelphia as the pair continue to set new personal records. Junior Olympic champion Tori Daniels of Valley Stream North in Long Island, NY won the 400 meters in her personal best 59.86. Daniels won four USATF Junior Olympic Championship events in 2018. Alissa Graham of Park Slope Middle School, Brooklyn scored a double win in the distance races, placing first in the 800 meters in 2:22.77, and the 1500 meters in 4:58.08. Rowan Houston of Rye Country Day School won the high jump at 5-feet 4-inches, a personal best; and Jessica Manzueta of Sacred Heart Grade School in Yonkers, NY won the shot put, tossing 8.78 meters.

Brooklyn 70 Year-Old Competes in her 42nd Colgate Women's Games!

Also on Saturday, in the 30'w plus division, Jennifer Pinto, 70 of Brooklyn, NY appeared in her 42nd Colgate Women's Games Series. Pinto, who was ranked second in the world in the Women's Masters in her 40's, wore a Colgate Women's Games 15th Anniversary shirt to Pratt to compete in the 200 meters. USATF Masters Champion Lisa Edwards of the Bronx, who has competed in the Colgate Women's Games for 34 years, won that race in 27.52, her fastest this series.

Sunday in the Elementary B division, last year's 55 meters champion Amirah Nesmith of St. Helena Incarnation School in Philadelphia, won the 55 meters in 8:07 and the 200 meters in 28.45; Additional outstanding performances and results for all divisions are available at colgategames.com/results.

Participation in the Colgate Women's Games is completely free. Girls and young women compete within their own grade divisions for ribbons, medals and points. Events include 55 meters, 55-meter hurdles, 200 meters, 400 meters, 800 meters, 1500 meters, high jump and shot put.

Four preliminary meets and a semi-finals at Pratt Institute determine who will compete at the finals at the New Balance Track and Field Center at The Armory, New York Saturday, February 2, 2019, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE: CL) are awarded to top place finishers in each grade division.

Hopeful young track stars, parents, coaches and recruiters can find information about the program and follow results at http://www.colgategames.com/results.

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/I1iV46-kfxg

Thousands of athletes from all over the East Coast, from first-grade through college and beyond, competed this weekend at the third preliminary of the nation's largest women's amateur track and field series, the 2018 Colgate Women's Games (Dec. 28-30, 2018).

Related link: http://www.colgategames.com/

East Coast Track Stars Celebrate Christmas Weekend with Outstanding Performances at 45th Anniversary Colgate Women’s Games

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Rising young stars and returning champions from all over the East Coast shared the spotlight at the second preliminary of the Colgate Women's Games (December 21-23, 2018), the nation's largest amateur track and field series for women. Thousands of girls and women from first grade through college and beyond, many traveling from as far as New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Virginia and Georgia chose to celebrate Christmas weekend on the track at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.

Friday, in the High School division, Rori Lowe of Columbus High School in the Bronx, scored another personal best with her second consecutive win in the 55 meters, (7.2); Two time Junior Olympic Champion Peyton Rollins of Buckingham Brown & Nichols School in Cambridge, MA, won the 55 meter hurdles in 8.28; Brianna Brown of Collegiate Institute for Math in the Bronx, won the 200 meters in 25.49; Kaitlyn Cepeda from Park East High School in Manhattan won the 400 meters in 58.90, improving nearly two seconds over last week's performance; Adia Palmer from Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn, won the 800 meters in a new personal record, 2:18.49; Isabel Stronski of Rye Country Day School in Rye, NY, won the 1500 in 4:58.36, nearly a seven second improvement over last week's win; Two-time Colgate Games' High Jump record holder, My'khiyah Williams of Benjamin Banneker Academy in Brooklyn, cleared 5'4 for the win; and Holly Charles of Paula Robeson High School in Manhattan won the shot put with a new personal best toss of 11.49.

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint said, "We're so pleased by the overwhelming turnout of participants and their families this Christmas weekend in Brooklyn, cheering on their girls as we celebrate the 45th Anniversary Colgate Women's Games. We saw improved scores and more exceptional performances in every division."

Saturday in the Mid School division, national sprint sensation and four-time Colgate Women's Games' record holder Avery Lewis of Westtown School, West Chester, PA scored a second consecutive double win. Lewis won the 55 meters in 7.15 and achieved another milestone with her fastest Colgate Women's Games 200M in 25.37. Taleea Buxton of Young Scholars Charter School in Philadelphia, last year's first place champion, set a new personal record in the 55 meter hurdles in a swift 8.31. Junior Olympic Champion Eyota Bey of Cedarbrook Middle School, also in Pennsylvania, a Colgate Women's Games finalist since elementary school, won the 400 meters in 58.99. Juliet Salazar of Peekskill, NY scored a double win in the distance races, winning the 800 meters in 2:26.34, and the 1500 meters in 4:58.62. Rowan Houston of Rye Country Day School cleared 5'0 in the high jump, and Prizila Negrete of Sacred Heart Grade School in Yonkers, tossed the shot put 8.92 meters for the win.

Sunday Elementary B highlights included three double wins. Returning champions Amirah Nesmith of St. Helena Incarnation in Philadelphia, won the 55 meters in 7.63 and 200 meters in 27.97; and Da'Mira Allen of Chichester Middle School in Boothwyn, PA won the 400 meters in 1:02.29 and the 800 meters in 2:25.04. Kiara Davis of Wilbur Elementary in Bear, DE repeated both her record-tying jump at 4'9" and 55 meter hurdles in 9.78 for two more wins.

Participation in the Colgate Women's Games is completely free. Girls and young women compete within their own grade divisions for ribbons, medals and points. Events include 55 meters, 55-meter hurdles, 200 meters, 400 Meters, 800 meters, 1500 meters, high jump and shot put.

Four preliminary meets and a semi-finals at Pratt Institute will determine who will compete at the finals at the New Balance Track and Field Center at The Armory, New York Saturday, February 2, 2019, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each grade division.

Hopeful young track stars, parents, coaches and recruiters can find information about the program and follow results at https://www.colgategames.com/results.

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/I1iV46-kfxg

Rising young stars and returning champions from all over the East Coast shared the spotlight at the second preliminary of the 2018 Colgate Women's Games (Dec. 21-23), the nation's largest amateur track and field series for women. Thousands of girls and women from first grade through college and beyond, many traveling from as far as New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Virginia and Georgia chose to celebrate Christmas weekend on the track at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. (VIDEO)

Related link: http://www.colgategames.com/

National Champions and Rising Track Stars Celebrate Opening of 45th Anniversary Colgate Women’s Games with an Early Season Record and Personal Bests

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Personal best performances and a record tying high jump marked an exceptional early start to the indoor track season, as thousands of girls and young women from all over the East Coast competed in the opening preliminaries of the 45th anniversary Colgate Women's Games this past weekend (Dec. 15-17) at Pratt Institute this weekend.

Sunday in the Elementary B division, 11 Year-old Kiara Davis, a fifth-grader at Wilbur Elementary School in Bear, DE achieved two personal bests--tying the High Jump record by clearing 4'9" in her first time competing in the event at the Colgate Women's Games. Davis also won the 55 Meter-Hurdles in a swift 9.78.

Saturday In the Mid School division, four-time Colgate Women's Games' record holder Avery Lewis of Westtown School, West Chester, PA achieved another personal best in the 55M in a very fast 7.12, and also won the 200M in 25.37. Lewis has competed and won first place, setting division records since Elementary A, and has been called the nation's fastest sprinter of her age every year since first grade. Tai Sheppard of Community Partnership Charter School (CPCS) in Brooklyn took first in the 55M Hurdles in an impressive performance and personal record of 8.37. Eyota Bey of Cedarbrook Middle School won the 400 Meters in 1.00.12; and newcomer, Junior Olympic Champion Juliette Salazar from Peekskill Middle School, scored a debut double win in the 800M (2.27.94) and 1500M (4.57.91).

Friday, the High School division saw additional opening week personal records from newcomer Rori Lowe of Columbus High School in the Bronx, who won the 55 meters in 7.31; and Manhattan's Mariam Cisse of Harlem Children's Zone who tossed the Shot Put 11.33 meters. Adia Palmer, from Bishop Laughlin High School in Brooklyn, won the 800M (2.23.45). Phoebe Myers of Young Women's Leadership School in Queens won the 55 Meter Hurdles in 8.46; and Brianna Brown of Collegiate Institute for Math and Science in the Bronx won the 200 meters in 25.61. Additional High School and other division results can be found here (results): http://www.colgategames.com/results.

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint said the number of athletes opening the first weekend of events with such exceptional performances may foreshadow a highly competitive season, as she reflected on the truer importance of this 45th anniversary of the Colgate Women's Games.

Toussaint said, "The Colgate Women's Games provide girls and young women a means to develop self-esteem and a sense of personal achievement through competitive participation in track and field in a friendly, supportive environment. From thousands of first timers who might not otherwise participate in an organized sport, to hundreds who have developed into the nation's top talent to an incredible 26 alumni who have achieved Olympic fame, we are all most proud of the countless lives changed for the better by the experience of participation. We are so thankful for Colgate-Palmolive Company's steadfast commitment to better the lives of so many through 45 years of support through athletics with a focus on continuing education."

Participation in the Colgate Women's Games is completely free. Girls and young women compete within their own grade divisions for ribbons, medals and points. Events include 55 meters, 55-meter hurdles, 200 meters, 400 Meters, 800 meters, 1500 meters, high jump and shot put.

Four preliminary meets and a semi-finals at Pratt Institute will determine who will compete at the finals at the New Balance Track and Field Center at The Armory, New York Saturday, February 2, 2019, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each grade division.

Hopeful young track stars, parents, coaches and recruiters can find information about the program and follow results at http://www.colgategames.com/results.

###

Media and Event Contacts:

* Sports/Results/Venue
David Forman
(973) 477-7489
colgategames@aol.com

* Lifestyle/Guests
Allen Cohen
(646) 391-7721
allen@allencohenpr.com -

*PHOTO link for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-1218s2p-cg-kiaradavis-300dpi.jpg

*Photo Caption: Pratt Institute Brooklyn (12/16/18) - Kiara Davis, a fifth-grader at Wilbur Elementary School in Bear, DE wins the 55 meter-hurdles in a very fast 9.78 at the 45th Anniversary Colgate Women's Games. The 11 year-old later tied the Elementary B division High Jump record by clearing 4'9" her first time competing in the event at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn on Sunday.

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/I1iV46-kfxg

Personal best performances and a record tying high jump marked an exceptional early start to the indoor track season, as thousands of girls and young women from all over the East Coast competed in the opening preliminaries of the 45th anniversary Colgate Women's Games this past weekend (Dec. 15-17) at Pratt Institute this weekend.

Related link: http://www.colgategames.com/

Nation’s Best Track Stars Head to the Finals of the 44th Annual Colgate Women’s Games

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- From an initial field of thousands of girls and young women from all over the East Coast, some 230 top point-scorers in divisions from elementary school through college and beyond, have earned their way to the finals of the 44th annual Colgate Women's Games. Persevering through four preliminary meets and a semi finals at Pratt, these young Olympic hopefuls have emerged as some of the country's finest athletic talent, with many scoring their personal best this season at the nation's largest track and field series for women.

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint thanked all of this year's participants, coaches and parents while reminding them of the goals of the long-running, much celebrated series.

"The Colgate Women's Games encourages young people to strive to challenge themselves in an atmosphere of friendly competition as a means to empower them with self-esteem that will last a lifetime," she said.

"To all coaches, parents and friends, thank you for your incredible selfless efforts to get to Pratt through all types of weather, some from great distances throughout the series. Each of you make a tremendous contribution toward a more positive future for those you encourage and support. We hope you have enjoyed every minute of your experience," she said.

Toussaint, along with Colgate Women's Games' founder Fred Thompson, honored two "Coaches of the Year" during Saturday's meet. Rhanda Hopkins, of the Queens Metro Eagles Track Club and Thomas Francis of the Zodiacs Track Club in the Bronx, were recognized for their long time support of women's track and field and the Colgate Women's Games."

Toussaint said, "Ms. Hopkins and Mr. Francis represent two of many dozens of truly caring and committed coaches. While their skills help produce some of today's leaders, their commitment and encouragement shape many who will be tomorrow's most successful citizens in all walks of life."

In the High School Division, Iantha Wright of Queens won the 55M in 7.31; and Sophia Myers also of Queens had a perfect series in the 55M hurdles with her win in 8.21. In the 200M, Maya Cheatham of Queens won the 200M in 25.69, just ahead of Brianna White of Manhattan who finished second in 25.86. In the 400M, Jasmine Douglas-Grant of Stroudsburg, PA crossed the tape first in 58.11, with Brooklyn's Daniella Griffith second in 58.85; both ladies' best races of the series. Athing Mu of Trenton, NJ won the 800M in 2:16.78; and London Claxton of Peekskill, NY won the 1500M in 4:51.28.

Colgate Women's Games' Mid School High Jump record holder (5'61/2"), My'Khiyah Williams of Brooklyn, wowed the crowd by clearing the bar at 5'7", tying her personal best jump; and Daniella Hull of West Orange, NJ won the Shot Put with a toss of 11.71M for the win over leader Mariam Chase of Manhattan who finished undefeated with a toss of 10.89M.

In the Mid School division, Hannah Gadpaille of the Bronx crossed the tape first in the 55M in 7.65. Throughout the series, Hannah was chasing four-time Colgate Women's Games' record holder Avery Lewis of Philadelphia, who won the 200M in 25.7. Philadelphia's Taleea Buxton won the hurdles in 8.49 in an upset victory over leader Peyton Rollins of Medford, MA, who finished in 8.54; Tai Sheppard finished third in 8.56. Simone Kelly of Ambler, PA made it a perfect season in the 400M with her semi-finals win in 59.65. Alina LaForest of Chester, PA won the 800M in 217.46, her best time of the series; and Brooklyn's Rainn Sheppard remained undefeated in the 1500M with her win in 4:47.92. The High Jump ended in a three-way tie after Rowan Houston of Rye, NY, Selah Dungey of River Edge, NJ and Bianca Staples of Manhattan all cleared the bar at 5 feet. Melissa Aymil of Brookside, NJ had a perfect season in the Shot Put, with a toss of 11.20M

In highlights of the Elementary A division, Alyssa Durant who travels all the way from Boston, dominated the series in the high jump, and finished strong clearing the bar at 3'10" her best jump of the series. Paige Sheppard of Scotch Plains, NJ, also had a perfect season in the 800M finishing in 2:45.78. Paige has also won first place in several major northeastern meets in sprints, middle and distance races throughout 2017.

In highlights of the Elementary B division, two young champions who battled each other in sprints throughout the series, both won first place on Saturday. Philadelphia's Amirah Nesmith, last year's A division 200M finals champion, won the 55M in 8.11; and Brooklyn's Kaela Swift won the 200M in 28.7, her fastest time of the year, and a new personal record.

Complete results for all six divisions; Elementary A & B, Mid School, High School, College/Open and 30's plus are available at colgategames.com; as well as a list of finalists who will compete at the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory, NYC on Saturday February 10, 2018, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each grade division.

The Games' goal is also about the importance of continued education. All finalists in grade divisions must submit their attendance records, and an essay to the meet director to be eligible to compete. The essay topic will appear online by Friday, February 4, 2018.

The Colgate Women's Games boast more than 26 Olympians, hundreds of age/grade division national champions, and countless changed lives. Each year, high school participants are among the most heavily recruited athletes by colleges and universities across the nation. Coaches, recruiters, athletes and fans can follow scores each week at Colgategames.com.

Tickets to the Armory finals are free by request at http://www.colgategames.com/ticket-information

The finals of the 44th annual Colgate Women's Games will take place on Saturday, February, 10, 2018 at the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory, NYC.

* PHOTO PRESS IMAGE: http://www.colgategames.com/coach-awards

* PHOTO CAPTION: (L to R) Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint with Queen's Metro Eagles Track Club coach Rhanda Hopkins, Colgate Games' founder Fred Thompson and Bronx Zodiacs Track Club coach Thomas Francis. Hopkins and Francis were both named Coach of the Year for their tireless commitment to serving youth track and field. The pair have produced many of the nation's top leaders over decades, and have shaped countless young lives for future success.

From an initial field of thousands of girls and young women from all over the East Coast, some 230 top point-scorers in divisions from elementary school through college and beyond, have earned their way to the finals of the 44th annual Colgate Women's Games. Persevering through four preliminary meets and a semi finals at Pratt, these young Olympic hopefuls have emerged as some of the country's finest athletic talent.

Related link: http://www.colgategames.com/

Nation’s Best Track Stars Head to Semi-Finals of 44th Annual Colgate Women’s Games

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- From an initial field of thousands, some 445 girls and young women from elementary school through college and beyond, have scored points to earn a spot in the semi-finals of the 44th annual Colgate Women's Games Track and Field Series. From Georgia to Massachusetts, these gifted young competitors include some of the nation's top-ranked athletes in their events and divisions.

In the High School Division Friday:
- Sprint sensation Iantha Wright of Queen's Collegiate won the 55M, setting her own personal record in a fast 7.02.
- Hurdles champion Sophia Meyers of Queens High School of Teaching, finished undefeated with a win in 8.08, her fastest time of the series.
- In the 200M, Maya Cheatham of Queen's Young Women's Leadership School, won in 25.41. Chatham climbed all the way from 8th place at the first prelim to win with her personal best and the fastest time by anyone in the series so far.
- In the 400M, Jasmine Douglas Grant of Stroudsburg, PA crossed the tape in 58.37, with Brooklyn's Daniella Griffith of Medgar Evers College Prep, a close second in 58.75.
- New Jersey Junior Olympic Champion Athing Mu of Trenton High School scored another double win, with victories in the 800M (2:16.48) and the1500M (4:50.01).
- New York's Mariam Cisse of Promise Academy II, won the shot put with her season's best toss (11.79M).
- Brooklyn's My'Khiyah Williams of Benjamin Banneker cleared the high jump bar at 5'4" for the win.

In the Mid School Division Saturday:
- In the 55M and 200M, four-time record holder Avery Lewis of Wesstown School, PA finished another perfect season with another double win in (7.13) and (25.58).
- Hurdles champion Peyton Rollins of Andrews MS in Medford, MA finished undefeated with another personal best (8.25).
- In the 400M, Simone Kelly of Wissahickon MS in Ambler, PA remained undefeated with her win in 59.48, also a personal record. Eyota Bey of Cedarbrook MS in Wyncote, PA finished a close second in 59.68.
- In the 800M, New Jersey's Maameyaa Nyinah of Woodbridge MS scored an upset victory over last season's reigning champion Alina LaForest with a victory in 2:19.18. LaForest of Drexel Neumann Academy in Chester, PA finished a very close second in 2:19.41.
- Brooklyn's Rainn Sheppard of MS 313 heads to the semi-finals undefeated after her first place in 4:46.95.
- Rowan Houston of Rye Country Day School cleared the High Jump at 5'2"
- New Jersey's Melissa Aymil of Mendham, MS, remained undefeated in the shot put with a personal best toss of 11.34M.

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint thanked all parents and coaches for their dedication, and encouragement throughout the preliminary meets. "We're so thankful to share in the privilege of helping your children discover and develop their abilities. To all those who are not semi-finalists, please know that each of you share in the success of our entire series, and we hope you've had a positive experience and will continue to pursue your academic and athletic goals," she said.

While the Colgate Women's Games have produced hundreds of national champions and boast 26 Olympians as alumnae, Toussaint says the Colgate Women's Games were founded to reach and impact the many thousands who don't draw the spotlight at the finish line.

"Countless participants who aren't making sports headlines are enjoying individual achievements that build self-esteem that will continue to have a positive impact throughout their lives," Toussaint said.

On Saturday, event officials paused to recognize one such special student that represents the thousands who are encouraged by a teacher, coach or parent to participate simply to learn to challenge themselves an atmosphere of friendly competition.

Eleven year-old Isabel Slippen of Pierre Van Cortlandt MS, Croton-on-the-Hudson, NY, first joined as an Elementary A competitor, and despite never earning points to move ahead to the semi-finals continued to return each week every year through mid school, where she still competes in the 800M and 1500M races. Officials noticed long ago how after her race, Isabel found her way to other competitors in her heats to offer congratulations with a handshake, high five or friendly hug and words of encouragement.

While many were brought to tears by the impromptu honor, Slippen herself seemed stunned. Toussaint said, "Isabel's kind spirit comes so naturally, and her friendly ritual is so genuine; her selfless encouragement and happiness for others' success is truly what we strive for at the Colgate Women's Games."

Saturday's emotional highlight was even more special with a surprise visit by founder Fred Thompson, who was pleased to watch his 44-year legacy still breeding this kind of success.

Results for all other divisions are available at colgategames.com, where a complete list of semi-finalists will appear on the home page on January 19, 2018.

Semi-finalist will compete on Saturday, January 27, 2018 to determine finalists who will compete at the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory, NYC on Saturday, February 10, 2018, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each grade division.

Coaches, recruiters, athletes and fans can follow scores each week at http://www.colgategames.com/. Tickets to the Armory finals are free by request at colgategames.com or via email colgategamestix@gmail.com

*PHOTO 1: Send2press.com/300dpi/ 18-0116s2p-Isabel-Maria-300dpi.jpg
Photo 1 Caption - Mid school student Isabel Slippen of Hudson, NY shown with her mom Maria, was recognized for exemplary sportsmanship as officials noticed a long standing friendly ritual of encouragement of others after each race since joining as an elementary A competitor, at the final preliminary meet of the 44th annual Colgate Women's Games held at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY this weekend.

*PHOTO 2: Send2press.com/300dpi/18-0108s2p-wright-white-300dpi.jpg
Photo 2 Caption - Sprint champion Iantha Wright of Queens Collegiate wins the High School 55M In 7.02; her personal best; at the final preliminary meet of the 44th annual Colgate Women's Games this weekend at Pratt institute, Brooklyn, NY.

From an initial field of thousands, some 445 girls and young women from elementary school through college and beyond, have scored points to earn a spot in the semi-finals of the 44th annual Colgate Women's Games Track and Field Series. From Georgia to Massachusetts, these gifted young competitors include some of the nation's top-ranked athletes in their events and divisions.

Related link: http://www.colgategames.com/

Winter Storm Doesn’t Slow Pace as Thousands Brave the Worst and Find Their Best at Third Prelim of 44th Annual Colgate Women’s Games

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Pratt Institute: Thousands of young track stars braved the East Coast's historic snowstorm to compete at the third preliminary meet of nation's largest amateur track series for women, the 44th annual Colgate Women's Games. From Boston to Georgia, girls of all abilities from elementary school through college and beyond continued to improve, with many leaders achieving nationally ranked scores.

Friday in the High School division, sprint champion Iantha Wright of Jamaica, Queens, won the 55M in a fast 7.16, recapturing the lead from Manhattan's Brianna White of Leman High School who finished second in 7.21. Last week, White earned her first victory in two seasons chasing the reigning champion Wright, who's a year older and a year ahead in school. White also finished second in the 200M in 26.36, just behind Dominique Jackson of Bronx's Pelham Prep Academy who crossed the tape in 25.87 for the win.

Jackson is rising fast, improving from fourth place to win this weekend's Colgate Games 200M, then followed up Friday's victory with a personal season's record 200M time of 25.27 in the Women's Varsity division of the Hispanic Games on Saturday at the Armory Track, NYC. Her second place win there was especially notable for a field that included Colgate Women's Games' leaders Sophia Myers, Iantha Wright, and Brianna White finishing 3rd through 5th respectively.

Hurdles champion Sophia Myers of Queens High School of Teaching remains undefeated with a 55MH win in 8.28. Myers met new competition from a young Stephanie Graves, a 10th grader at Queen's High School of Law Enforcement and Public Safety, who competed in her first Colgate Games' hurdles event and came in second with her own personal record 8.56.

Jasmine Douglas-Grant of Stroudsburg High School, Pennsylvania won the 400M in 59.59; Brooklyn's Adia Palmer of Bishop Loughlin won the 800M in 2:19.25, as New Jersey' s distance champion Athing Mu opted to run only the 1500M this week, which she won in her best time of the series, 4:51.86. Mu's win was also her latest personal best, after 10th first place wins in major meets where she broke personal records in distances from the 400M to the mile, throughout all of 2017.

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint said, "While our sports news generally reports on top-ranked leaders, thousands of girls of every ability are learning to challenge themselves each week to find their own 'personal bests,' and that's what the Colgate Women's Games are really about."

"Through more than four decades of competition, countless girls who didn't reach the finals or may not have even scored points are among our greatest untold success stories," adds Toussaint. "Regardless of how they finish, their memories and the lessons they learn on the track have a positive impact that lasts a lifetime."

Also on Friday, two-time Colgate Women's Games' High Jump record holder, My'khiyah Williams of Brooklyn's Benjamin Banneker school, cleared the bar at 5'4" for the win, and Shot Put champion 15 year-old Mariam Cisse of Manhattan's Promise Academy, won with a toss of 11.13M.

In the Mid School Division on Saturday, 12 yr-old Avery Lewis of Westtown School in West Chester, PA continues to prove she's among the nation's best, with a 55M win in 7.12, just .22 shy of setting a fifth Colgate Women's Games' record. For some perspective, that's less than 1/2 the time it takes to blink. Lewis made it a third double win, with a 200M first place finish in 25.37.

Peyton Rollins of Andrews Middle School remains undefeated in the 55MH with a win in 8.31. Rollins who travels all the way from Massachusetts also shared the track with Lewis in the 200M, finishing third in 26.88, just a flash behind Simone Kelly of Wissachickon MS, Ambler, PA who finished second in 26.83; Kelly won the 400M in 1:00.22, followed by Brooklyn's Tai Sheppard of the Dock Street School crossing the tape in 1:01.32; Sheppard also placed second in the hurdles behind Rollins in 8.37.

Alina LaForest of Drexel Neumann Academy, Chester PA won the 800M in 2:20.72; her third consecutive win, and placed second in the 1500M (4:55.97) behind Tai's sister Rainn Sheppard who placed first in 4:55.97.

The Mid School High Jump finished in a three way tie with Bronx's Bianca Staples, Kayley Lynch of Northstar Academy, Newark, NJ, and Selah Dungey of St. Peter Academy, River Edge, NJ all clearing 4'10"; and Melissa Aymil of Mendham MS in Brookside, NJ remains undefeated in the shot put after a toss of 10.87M, her best of the season and a new personal record.

On Sunday in the Elementary B division 55M, Following last week's tie, Brooklyn's Kaela Swift of Success Academy Bed-Stuy beat Philadelphia's Amirah Nesmith by 1/100 of a second in a photo finish that shows Swift won by a nose in 7.91 to Nesmith's 7.92.

In the 55MH, fifth place Kamilah Alabi of PS15 Queens, ran 10.67 for a first place win; In the 200M, Brianna Lindo of Queen's Riverton Street Charter School, also scored an upset victory, with a win in 28.6 over Kaela Swift (28.92); In the 400M and 800M Colgate Women's Games champion Damira Allen of Chester School of the Arts, Chester PA, retained a perfect season record with a third double win in the 400M (1:04.14) just ahead of Lindo (1:04.37), and the 800M in 2:26.87; and in the High Jump, Avery Hart of Pierce School, Brookline MA cleared the bar at 4'2" for her third consecutive win.

Additional results for College/Open and Elementary A and 30's Plus division events are available at colgategames.com/results.

Participation in the Colgate Women's Games is completely free. Girls and young women compete within their own age/grade divisions for ribbons, medals and points. Events include 55 meters, 55-meter hurdles, 200 meters, 400 Meters, 800 meters, 1500 meters, high jump and shot put. Top point scorers advance to the Finals where they compete for trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company.

Four preliminary meets and a semi-finals at Pratt Institute determine who will compete at the finals at the New Balance Track and Field Center at The Armory, New York Saturday, February 10, 2018, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each grade division.

Hopeful young track stars, parents and coaches can find information about the program at http://www.colgategames.com/.

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-0108s2p-wright-white-300dpi.jpg

*WEB PHOTO CAPTIONS:
(1) High School sprint champion Iantha Wright of Jamaica, Queens, wins the 55M in a fast 7.16, recapturing the lead from Manhattan's Brianna White of Leman High School who finished second in 7.21; at the 3rd preliminary meet of the nation's largest track and field series for women, the 44th annual Colgate Women's Games on Friday night at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y.

(2) Rainn Sheppard of MS313, Brooklyn, remains undefeated in the Mid School Division 1500M after her latest victory in 4:55.97, at the 44th annual Colgate Women's Games at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Saturday.

Thousands of young track stars braved the East Coast's historic snowstorm to compete at the third preliminary meet of nation's largest amateur track series for women, the 44th annual Colgate Women's Games. From Boston to Georgia, girls of all abilities from elementary school through college and beyond continued to improve, with many leaders achieving nationally ranked scores.

Related link: http://www.colgategames.com/

East Coast Track Stars Heat Up Cold New Year’s Eve Second Prelim of The 44th Annual Colgate Women’s Games

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Rising young stars and returning champions from all over the East Coast shared the spotlight throughout this holiday weekend at the second preliminary meets of the nation's largest women's amateur track and field series, the Colgate Women's Games. Extreme cold temps had little effect on top contenders, some who come from as far as New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Virginia and Georgia, as they continue to improve an already fast national pace.

Friday in the High School division, Manhattan sprinter Brianna White of Leman High School stepped up a notch with an impressive double win in the 55M (7.24) and the 200m (25.89). Her 55M race was her first victory in two seasons over reigning champion Iantha Wright of Jamaica, Queens, and her 200M win earns White her fourteenth first place sprint victory in major meets throughout 2017.

Returning hurdles champion Sophia Myers of Queens High School of Teaching, won the 55MH in 8.21; continuing an undefeated streak that began week one of last season's series.

Brooklyn's Daniella Griffith of Medgar Evers Prep won the 400 Meters in 1:00.16; Athing Mu of Trenton High School in New Jersey scored her second consecutive double win with improved times in both distance events, crossing the tape first in the 800M (2:18.81) and 1500M (4:53.82). In the High Jump, with event champion My'Khiyah Williams out this week, Phoebe Myers of Young Women's Leadership School cleared the bar at 5'2" for the win; and Manhattan's Mariam Cisse won the Shot Put with a toss of 10.78M.

In the Mid School Division on Saturday, 12 yr-old Avery Lewis of Westtown School in West Chester, PA remains one of the fastest young sprinters in the nation, scoring another double win in the 55M (7.19) and 200M (25.15). The four-time Colgate Women's Games sprint record-holder's performance in the 200M was another personal record for Lewis. Having won the 55M at the first preliminary meet in another personal best (7.16), officials said her times are likely among the fastest in the nation for a twelve year-old this year.

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint said, "Avery continues to bring her A game each season, and her participation has created an especially high level of excitement ever since she began competing in our Elementary A division. She's also an excellent student as well as a phenomenal athlete."

Toussaint adds that the Colgate Women's Games strive to retain a welcoming atmosphere for athletes of all abilities. "Our goal is to help girls of all ages build self-esteem through friendly competition, encouraging them to discover and then challenge their own limits," she said.

Toussaint said the Colgate Women's Games have become a proving ground, drawing top athletic talent and have produced hundreds of national champions, and with last summer's six alumnae Olympic Team USA, 26 former Olympians. More importantly, she adds they continue to have a positive effect on countless lives over more than four decades.

"The number of participants and the size of the crowds made up of families and friends, some who travel great distances is evidence the Colgate Women's Games continue to be such an important event, and we are so pleased that thousands of participants and their families chose to celebrate their New Year's weekend with us in Brooklyn this weekend."

In the Mid School Division on Saturday, Peyton Rollins of Andrews Middle School was among those who travelled the furthest to compete, all the way from Massachusetts to win the 55MH in 8.31. Rollins, who placed second overall at last year's Colgate Women's Games, had more than a dozen first place wins in hurdles races at major regional meets throughout 2017.

Simone Kelly of Wissahickon Middle School in Ambler, PA won the the 400M in 59.61; Last year's first place finalist Alina LaForest of Drexel Neumann Academy, Chester, PA won the 800M in 2:21.10; Brooklyn's Rainn Sheppard of MS 313 won the 1500M in 4:53.70; and Rowan Houston of Rye Country Day School cleared the High Jump bar at 5'2" for her second win and personal best jump. Melissa Aymil of Mendham Middle School in Brookside, NJ retains her lead in the shot put with a personal best toss of 10.65M.

Among Sunday, New Years Eve's Elementary School B division highlights; Philadelphia's Amirah Nesmith, last year's first place finalist in the 200M, ran a 55M tie with Brooklyn's Kaela Swift of Success Academy Bed-Stuy, both finishing in 7.9. Swift won the 55M at the first prelim in 7.88.

Damira Allen of Chester School of the Arts, Chester PA, last year's Colgate Women's Games' Division A 800M finals champion and Special Awards winner for "Outstanding Competitor....", now leads Division B after winning the 800M at Prelim 1 in 2:26.68 and Prelim 2 in 2:27.52. Both personal best times for the 10 year-old, multiple Gold-medal Junior Olympic champion. Allen has an astonishing record of more than 40 first place middle and distance race wins at major regional and national mets in her age division since 2015.

Additional results for College/Open and Elementary A and 30's Plus division events are available at colgategames.com/results.

Participation in the Colgate Women's Games is completely free. Girls and young women compete within their own age/grade divisions for ribbons, medals and points. Events include 55 meters, 55-meter hurdles, 200 meters, 400 Meters, 800 meters, 1500 meters, high jump and shot put. Top point scorers advance to the Finals where they compete for trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company.

Four preliminary meets and a semi-finals at Pratt Institute determine who will compete at the finals at the New Balance Track and Field Center at The Armory, New York Saturday, February 10, 2018, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each grade division. Hopeful young track stars, parents and coaches can find information about the program at http://www.colgategames.com/.

*Photo Caption: Philadelphia's Amirah Nesmith and Brooklyn's Kaela Swift sprint to a tie in the Elementary B division 55 Meters at the second preliminary meet of the 44th Annual Colgate Women's Games in Brooklyn, NY on Sunday.

Rising young stars and returning champions from all over the East Coast shared the spotlight throughout this holiday weekend at the second preliminary meets of the nation's largest women's amateur track and field series, the Colgate Women's Games. Extreme cold temps had little effect on top contenders, some who come from as far as New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Virginia and Georgia, as they continue to improve an already fast national pace.

Related link: http://www.colgategames.com/

Returning Champions and Rising Stars Set Fast Pace at Opening of 44th Annual Colgate Women’s Games Track and Field Series

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- A number of personal best performances marked an exceptional early start to the indoor track season as East Coast athletes from Boston to Virginia competed in one of the largest opening preliminary meets of the 44th annual Colgate Women's Games.

On Friday, returning Colgate Women's Games' first place finalists won seven of eight High School division events:

Three time returning champion Iantha Wright of Queen's Jamaica High School won the 55M in 7.14; Last year's Mid School champion Brianna Brown now a freshman at Dewitt Clinton High School, Bronx won the 200M in 25.99; Sophia Myers of Queens HS won the 55MH in 8.19, and Athing Mu of Trenton HS, NJ returning after a perfect season of double wins, took the 800M in 2:20.86, and the1500M in 4:55.69. Brooklyn's My'Khiyah Williams, who holds High Jump records in Elem. B (4-feet 9-inches) and Mid School (5-feet 6.5-inches), cleared the bar at 5-feet 4-inches; and Manhattan's Mariam Cisse of Promise Academy won the shot put with her personal best toss, 10.93M. Jasmine Douglas-Grant of Stroudsburg High School, PA, off a second place finish last season, scored her first major meet's 1st place win in the 400M in 1:01.30.

On Saturday, national sprint sensation Avery Lewis with four concurrent sprint records since first grade, moved up to the Mid School division and scored another double win with two personal bests; 7.16 in the 55M, and 25.56 in the 200M. The 11-year-old six grader (who turns twelve this week), attends Westtown School in PA, and has been called one of the fastest girls in the nation every year since her 7th birthday. Lewis holds Colgate Women's Games' Elementary A Records in the 55M (7.75) and the 200M (28.09); and Elementary B records in the 55M (7.35) and the 200M (25.99).

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint calls Avery Lewis a truly gifted young athlete and says competitors like her and many others through the years continue to make the Colgate Women's Games among the nation's premiere proving grounds for track and field talent. The Games have produced hundreds of national champions, and with last summer's six alumnae on Olympic Team USA, 26 former Olympians, and in four decades, countless changed lives.

"The Colgate Women's Games are primarily about helping girls and young women build self-esteem," says Toussaint. "Competitive athletics help girls of all abilities discover and improve their skills; and learning they can meet and exceed personal goals are lessons that help women find and expect excellence throughout their lives."

Toussaint said, "This weekend was especially exciting with the number of athletes enjoying their own personal best performances, something normally not seen until later in the season."

With more personal records in the Mid School division; Peyton Rollins of Andrews MS in Medford, MA won the 55MH in an impressive 8.28; Rowan Houston of Rye Country Day in White Plains NY and Selah Dungey of St. Peter Academy, River Edge, NJ both cleared 5-feet 0-inches in the High Jump; and Melissa Aymil of Mendham MS in Brookside, NJ tossed 10.58 in the Shot Put.

Also in Mid School on Saturday, Simone Kelley of Wissahickon MS in Ambler, PA won the 400M in 59.49; Returning division champion Alina LaForest of Drexel Neumann Acadamey won the 800M in 2:19.02; and Brooklyn's Rainn Sheppard of Dock Street School won the 1500M in 4:55.13.

Additional results for Saturday's College/Open, and Sunday's Elementary A and B and 30's Plus division events are available at colgategames.com/results.

Participation in the Colgate Women's Games is completely free. Girls and young women compete within their own age/grade division for ribbons, medals and points. Events include 55 meters, 55-meter hurdles, 200 meters, 400 Meters, 800 meters, 1500 meters, high jump and shot put. Four preliminary meets and a semi-finals at Pratt Institute will determine who will compete at the finals at the New Balance Track and Field Center at The Armory, New York on Saturday, February 10, 2018, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each division.

Athletes, parents and coaches can follow scores throughout the series and find more information about the program at http://www.colgategames.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-1218s2p-avery-lewis-300dpi.jpg

PHOTOS CAPTIONS:
(1) National sprint sensation Avery Lewis with four concurrent sprint records since first grade, moved up to the Mid School division and scored another double win with two personal bests; 7.16 in the 55M, and 25.56 in the 200M at the opening preliminary meet of the Colgate Women's Games in Brooklyn, NY on Saturday.

(2) Peyton Rollins of Andrews Middle School in Medford, MA won the 55MH in an impressive 8.28 at the Opening Preliminary meet of the Colgate Women's Games at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY on Saturday.

A number of personal best performances marked an exceptional early start to the indoor track season as East Coast athletes from Boston to Virginia competed in one of the largest opening preliminary meets of the 44th annual Colgate Women's Games.

Related link: http://www.colgategames.com/

National Leaders, Personal Records and Emotional Reunions Highlight Semi-Finals of 43rd Annual Colgate Women’s Games

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Semi-finals of the 43rd annual Colgate Women's Games featured athletes in every age division continuing to set or retain nationally leading scores, and several competitors continuing to achieve their own personal records, as the field narrows to some 230 athletes who will compete in the finals.

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint said, "By the Semi-finals, leaders are reaching their season's peak performances and many on Saturday achieved new personal bests. Colgate Women's Games' founder Fred Thompson, who has touched the lives of countless young women over more than fifty years, was on hand to greet many emerging champions and some of his successful proteges, including High Jump Champion and Colgate Games record holder My'Khiyah Williams after she wowed the crowd clearing 5-feet 8-inches in the High School High Jump."

Also in the High School Division, Athing Mu of Trenton, NJ shattered her indoor personal best with her win in the 800 meters in 2:17.070. Iantha Wright of Queens, NY won the 55 meters in 7.289; Sophia Myers also of Queens won the 55 meter hurdles in 8.358; Zuri Straker of Manhattan won the 200 meters in 26.28; Nyjah Young Bey of Montclair, NJ, won the 400 meters in 58.992; Shayla Sanders of Queens, NY won the 1500 meters in 4:48:814; and Mariam Cisse of Manhattan won the shot put with her toss of 11.37 meters.

In the Mid School division, Alina Laforest of Chester, PA, Lauren Heskin of Floral Park, NY, and Brianna Thomas of Chestnut Ridge, NY all achieved new personal best scores. Alinia won the 800 meters in 2:18.431; Lauren, who finished the season undefeated, won the 1500 meters in 4:46.412; and Brianna, also undefeated won the shot put with a toss of 9.81 meters. Lauren Princz of Egg Harbor Township, NJ remained undefeated after winning the 55 meters in 7.513; Tia Taylor of Egg Harbor City took first in the 55 meter-hurdles in 8.541; Brianna Brown of the Bronx won the 200 meters in 26.517; Alanni Cannon of Brooklyn finished the 400 meters in 1:00.508; and Jade Pope of Pennsauken, PA continued to clear 5'2" for the high jump win.

From Massachusetts to Georgia some of the youngest finalists travelled the furthest each week, including undefeated Elementary A high jump champion Savauni Banks of Belmont, MA who cleared 3'8" this season and Alyssa Duant of Boston in 6th place in the same event. In the Elementary B division Ronniah Wright of Stone Mountain, GA leads the 55 meters, and Avery Hart from Brookline, MA heads to the finals in 4th place in the high jump. In the Mid School division, Peyton Rollins of Medford, MA is in second place in the 55 meter hurdles; and Kylee Bernard of Cambridge, MA also heads to the finals in sixth place in the 400 meters.

Toussaint said, "We applaud the hundreds of families, coaches and friends who travelled great distances for each meet, and we are privileged to be a part of your awesome support for these special young athletes!"

The finals of the 43rd annual Colgate Women's Games will take place at the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory, NYC on Saturday, February 18, 2017, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each age/grade division. The 2016 Olympic Games added another six athletes for a total of 26 Olympians who have developed their talents through more than four decades of the Colgate Women's Games.

Tickets to the finals are free by request to colgategamestix@gmail.com. Coaches, recruiters, athletes and fans can follow scores at http://www.Colgategames.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0202s2p-Williams-Thompson-300dpi.jpg

Pratt Institute: The Semi-finals of the 43rd annual Colgate Women's Games featured athletes in every age division continuing to set or retain nationally leading scores, and several competitors continuing to achieve their own personal records, as the field narrows to some 230 athletes who will compete in the finals.

Talent Runs Deep as East Coast Track Stars Head to Semi Finals After Weekend of Top Competition

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- The final preliminary meet of the nation's largest amateur female track series, the Colgate Women's Games, featured athletes from every division achieving personal best scores this weekend, as thousands of participants competed for spots in the semi-finals to be held at Pratt on Saturday, January 28, 2017.

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint said, "Thank you to all parents and coaches for your dedication and commitment through these four preliminary meets. It is our privilege to share in the role of helping your children discover and develop their abilities. Every competitor has been a success just by participating. The talent ran very deep this year, as we saw leading champions challenged by freshman new to their divisions, and some of the most gifted athletes at every age level compete at or near record pace, including some setting the fastest times and best scores in the nation."

On Friday in the High School division, Iantha Wright of Queens won the 55 meters in 7.11; Sophia Myers won the 55 meter-hurdles in 8.28; and Philadelphia's Ariana Ruffin matched her personal best 200 meters in 25.77. New Jersey's Athing Mu made it a perfect season with another double win, placing first in the 400 meters in 59.03 and the 800 meters in 2:21.06. Kaylah Quarshie of Port Jervis, NY who has been in second place behind Shayla Sanders of Queens in the 1500 meters each week, achieved an impressive personal best 4:45.36 for the upset win. High Jump Champion and record holder My'Khiyah Williams of Brooklyn repeated her series' best jump of 5'6" to finish in first place; and in her season's best toss of 10.88m, Amy Azubuike of Brooklyn's St. Ann's School won the shot put.

On Saturday in the Mid School division, New Jersey's Lauren Princz remained undefeated in the 55 meters after a very fast personal best, 7.17; Peyton Rollins all the way from Medford, MA also ran her personal best 55 meter-hurdles, 8.43 to upset leader Tia Taylor of New Jersey who finished second in 8.46. Rollins now has at least 33 first place wins in major meets including USATF Junior Olympic Championships and AAU Regional and Nationals since her 8th birthday! Brianna Brown of the Bronx won the 200 meters in 25.99 and sat out the 400 meters where she was undefeated, leaving a position filled by Kamani Johns of Chester, PA who ran her own personal best, 59.81 for the win. In the 800 Meters, Alina LaForest also of Chester, PA enjoyed her best Colgate Games' performance of 2.19.17 for her first win of the series. LaForest is another national age division champion with 14 first place wins since her 8th birthday in 2013, including 400, 800, 1500, and 1600 meter regional and national competitions. With her season's best 1500 meters performance, 4:47.30, Lauren Heskin of Floral Park, NY remains undefeated now through two Colgate Women's Games' seasons.

On Sunday in the Elementary A division, Philadelphia's Amirah Nesmith continues to surpass her own records. This meet's near-record setting win in the 55 meters, 7.95 and first place win in the 200 meters, 30.08 are both new personal bests. Da'mira Allen of Chester, PA ran her best Colgate Games' 400 meters in 68.95, and her personal best race ever in the 800 meters in 2:34.74 for a four meet perfect season of double wins. In the Elementary B division, Philadelphia's Avery Lewis, who now holds three Colgate Women's Games records, almost made it four. Lewis finished a perfect season of double wins with a first place 55 meters in 7.65, and 200 meters race in a near record personal best 26.64. Philadelphia's Kenai Bey-English finished undefeated in her season's best 400 meters in 63.95, and Alissa Graham won the 800 meters in 2:31.56. Graham of PS44 in Brooklyn has won more than 25 regional and national championships including USATF National Youth and Junior Olympic Championships in distances from 400 meters to the mile!

From thousands of participants, some 430 top point scorers will compete in a semi-finals on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at Pratt to determine who will compete at the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory, NYC on Saturday, February 18, 2017, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each age/grade division.

The Colgate Women's Games have produced 26 Olympians, hundreds of age/grade division champions, and countless changed lives.

Coaches, recruiters, athletes and fans can follow scores each week at http://www.colgategames.com/.

Tickets to the Armory finals are free by request at: http://www.colgategames.com/ticket-information.

PHOTOS for Media: Photos of each highlighted competitor are available online at colgategames.com/gallery.
Gallery: Top row, left to right: 1. Lauren Princz; 2. Peyton Rollins, Tia Taylor; 3. Alissa Graham.

* Season best statements are based on CWG Results.
** Personal best are based on information from Athletic.net or other results sites online.

The final preliminary meet of the nation's largest amateur female track series, the Colgate Women's Games, featured athletes from every division achieving personal best scores this weekend, as thousands of participants competed for spots in the semi-finals to be held at Pratt on Saturday, January 28, 2017.

Wintery Weather Doesn’t Chill the Pace at Third Preliminary Meet of the 43rd Annual Colgate Women’s Games

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Pratt Institute -- Thousands of young athletes braved the cold outside while the competition heated up inside at the third preliminary meet of nation's largest amateur track series for women, the 43rd annual Colgate Women's Games. From Boston to Georgia, girls of all abilities from elementary school through college and beyond continued to improve, with many leaders now achieving nationally ranked scores.

On Friday in the High School division, Brooklyn High Jump champion My'khiyah Williams cleared 5'6" for the win. Williams holds both the Mid School record of 5'6 1/2" set in 2015, and the Elementary B record 4'9" set in 2012.

In the 55 meters, Iantha Wright of St. John's Prep in Queens ran her personal best race to take first in 7.10 just in front of Mariam Magassouba of Harry Truman in the Bronx who also ran her personal best clocking 7.12. Sophia Myers of Queens High School of Teaching continues undefeated in the 55 meter hurdles, improving a third straight week with her win in 8.22.

Philadelphia's Arianna Ruffin has shown remarkable improvement with a win in her personal best time of 25.87. Ruffin finished ninth in the 200 meters in the opening meet, then rose last week to a second place finish before this week's victory. Coach Ken Abney, who has developed dozens of young athletes into some of the nation's best young talent, has helped Ruffin grow from a naturally gifted athlete into a leading competitor.

In distance races, New Jersey's Athing Mu scored her third consecutive double win with a 59.03 performance in the 400M and 2:20.44 in the 800M; and Shayla Sanders of Young Women's Leadership school in Queens remains undefeated in the 1500 meters (4:48.71).

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint said, "While we're proud that the Colgate Women's Games showcase leading athletes, we're even more pleased to see so many girls of all abilities discovering and improving their talents."

On Saturday in the Mid School Division, Lauren Princz of Fernwood MS in Egg Harbor Township continues to lead the 55 meters after a 7.26 finish, a repeat of her indoor track personal record. Tia Taylor remained undefeated in the 55 meter hurdles with her win in 8.41. The 8th grader from Egg Harbor Community School, N.J. is ranked the number one 13-year-old in the nation in the long jump and won two gold medals at the Junior Olympic Games in Houston this summer. Brianna Brown of Bronx Latin School, climbed back into first place with two of her best races this season, winning the 200 meters in 25.63 and 400 meters in 59.09. Marcia Ojo of Franklin Park, N.J. improved by more than 9 seconds over last week to win the 800 meters in 2:20.53 her new personal indoor record; and Lauren Heskin of Floral Park Memorial, Queens won the 1500 meters in 4:47.54.

On Sunday in the Elementary A division Philadelphia's Amirah Nesmith won the Elementary A 55 meters in 8.34, and in her best race of the season which also sets another personal best, won the 200 meters in 30.74. Da'mira Allen of Chester, Pa. continues undefeated after winning the 400 meters in 70.1 and the 800 meters in 2:36.57. In the Elementary B division, Avery Lewis won both the 55 meters (7.59) and 200 meters (27.34). Lewis, who holds Colgate Women's Games' records in both Elementary A and B divisions, continues to win in times at Pratt faster than most of her first place East Coast USATF Indoor championship competitions.

The Colgate Women's Games remain completely free as a means for all girls to develop their sense of personal achievement and self esteem in an atmosphere of friendly competition. The Colgate Games' promote the importance of continued education and provide a training ground for those who might not otherwise participate in organized sports.

Four preliminary meets and a semi-finals at Pratt Institute determine who will compete at the finals at the New Balance Track and Field Center at The Armory, New York Saturday, February 18, 2017, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each grade division.

Hopeful young track stars, parents and coaches can follow scores and find information at http://www.colgategames.com/.

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0109s2p-MWilliams-300dpi.jpg

*Photo Caption: Brooklyn High Jump champion My'khiyah Williams cleared 5'6" for the win in the High School division of the 43rd Annual Colgate Women's Games at Pratt Institute on Friday. Williams holds both the Mid School record of 5'6 1/2" set in 2015, and the Elementary B record 4'9" set in 2012. Four preliminary meets and a semi-finals at Pratt Institute determine who will compete at the finals at The Armory, NYC in February for trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company. Follow scores at colgategames.com.

* Photos available of each competitor highlighted at colgategames.com/gallery

Top row left to right: 1. My'Khiya Williams; 2. Iantha Wright, et al; 3. Sophia Myers et al; 4. Shayla Sanders.
Second row: 5. Lauren Princz et al; 6. Tia Taylor et al; 7. Lauren Heskin; 8.Brianna Brown; 9. Amirah Nesmith.

Thousands of young athletes braved the cold outside while the competition heated up inside at the third preliminary meet of nation's largest amateur track series for women, the 43rd annual Colgate Women's Games. From Boston to Georgia, girls of all abilities from elementary school through college and beyond continued to improve, with many leaders now achieving nationally ranked scores.

East Coast Track Stars Shine Through New Year’s Weekend with Fast Times at 43rd Annual Colgate Women’s Games

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Thousands of young athletes and their families and friends spent New Year's Weekend 2016/17 at the 43rd annual Colgate Women's Games. The nation's largest women's amateur track and field series featured some of the East Coast's best talent continuing to set a fast pace for the indoor track season.

In the High School division Friday, Iantha Wright of St. Johns Prep in Queens won the 55m with a personal best race time of 7:11. The Colgate Women's Games' 2015 High School champion sprinter also won the 200m in 25.74. Sophia Myers of Queens High School won the 55MH in 8.27. Both of these Junior Olympic champions achieved more than a dozen first-place wins in a wide variety of events through the outdoor season as well. Fourteen year-old Junior Olympic champion New Jersey's Athing Mu of Trenton Central High School, fresh off two personal records at the Jersey City Armory this month, scored another double win placing first in the 400m in 58.49 and the 800m in 2:19.7.

In the Mid School division Saturday, Zeyonna Davis of Cherry Hill, NJ also ran her personal best (26.76) this month in a first place win at the Jersey City Armory; and this week in an upset over Mid School champion Brianna Brown of the Bronx, her personal best got better winning the 200m in 26.27. Brianna Brown easily won the 400m, improving her time this week to 59.86. Newcomer Lauren Prince of Fernwood Avenue MS in Egg Harbor Township, NJ continues to impress with another win in the 55m, this week in 7.26. Eighth grader Tia Taylor also of Egg Harbor won her second straight hurdles, this week in 8.55. In distance races, returning Colgate Games Mid School champion Lauren Heskin of Floral Park Queens won both the 800m (2:21.89) and 1500m (4:51.73). Including Colgate Women's Games, USATF Junior Olympic Championships both indoor and outdoor and other championship meets, Heskin has more than 20 first-place wins in her age division throughout 2016!

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint said, "The level of competition is extraordinary for early season action, and we're already seeing some of the East Coast's best athletic talent set a high bar for the entire nation at every age level. In addition to top talent, thousands of girls and young women of skill level from Boston to Georgia are celebrating their New Year's weekend having lots of fun here at the Colgate Women's Games in the world's greatest city!"

On New Year's Eve Sunday three of the nation's fastest and youngest track stars, all from Pennsylvania scored double wins. In the Elementary A division, Eight year-old Damira Allen of Chester won the 400m in 69.34 and the 800m in 2:35.64; Amirah Nesmith of Ben Franklin Elementary in Philadelphia ran her personal best indoor 55m in 8.21 and also won the 200m in 31.64. In the Elementary B division, Avery Lewis who now holds three age division records won the 55m in 7.50 and in a full second faster than Colgate Games week 1, she ran the 200m in 27.26. Lewis is the first competitor in more than 25 years to hold three Colgate Women's Games' records. Neffertitti Cooper also of Philadelphia held four records in three divisions in 1990-91.

Participation in the Colgate Women's Games is completely free. Girls and young women compete within their own age/grade divisions for ribbons, medals and points. Events include 55 meters, 55-meter hurdles, 200 meters, 400 Meters, 800 meters, 1500 meters, high jump and shot put. Top point scorers advance to the Finals where they compete for trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company.

Four preliminary meets and a semi-finals at Pratt Institute determine who will compete at the finals at the New Balance Track and Field Center at The Armory, New York Saturday, February 18, 2017, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each grade division. Hopeful young track stars, parents and coaches can find information about the program at http://www.colgategames.com/.

Photos available of each competitor highlighted at http://www.colgategames.com/gallery

Top row Left to right: 1. Wright, Core & Meyers 2. Athing Mu 3. Lauren Heskin 4. Amirah Nesmith.
Second Row: Brianna Brown 2. Avery Lewis; Zeyonna Davis.

Thousands of young athletes and their families and friends spent New Year's Weekend 2016/17 at the 43rd annual Colgate Women's Games. The nation's largest women's amateur track and field series featured some of the East Coast's best talent continuing to set a fast pace for the indoor track season.

Nation’s ‘Fastest 10 Year-Old’ Sets Another Record at Start of 43rd Annual Colgate Women’s Games Track and Field Series

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Returning champions and promising newcomers from Boston to Virginia in first grade through college and beyond competed this weekend at the opening preliminary meet of the Colgate Women's Games, the nation's largest female amateur indoor track and field series.

Among the highlights this weekend; Avery Lewis of Friends' Central School, who set two Colgate Women's Games Records last season as an Elementary A competitor, moved up one age/grade division to Elementary B and set another record Sunday at the first preliminary meet of 43rd annual Colgate Women's Games, the nation's largest amateur female indoor track and field series.

Lewis of Wynnewood, Pa. has been called one of the fastest girls in the nation every year since her 7th birthday. The ten-year old fifth grader turns 11 years-old today, December 21, 2016. Lewis now holds Elementary A Records in the 55M (7.75) and the 200M (28.08); and the Elementary B record in the 55M (7.35) (*See NOTE).

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint said, "Avery is the only competitor to hold three Colgate Women's Games concurrently. It's really exciting when our younger participants excel because it inspires so many more to kids to choose athletics as a path to success. The Colgate Women's Games help spotlight their achievements and we're proud that athletes of all ages across the nation look to our stats and records as a benchmark in all our track and field events."

In the High School division Friday evening, Dylann Core of Astor Collegiate Academy in the Bronx scored a double win against a tough field of veteran high school sprinters, crossing the tape in the 55M in 7.25 and the 200m in 26.08. Core's victories are especially notable after placing 4th and 7th earlier this year at the AAU Invitational behind club teammates and returning high school champions in these fields. Another fast rising star, New Jersey's Athing Mu of Trenton Central also scored a double win, placing first in the 400M (60.9) and the 800M (2:26.2). National champion My'Khiya Williams, who holds Colgate Women's Games records in the Elementary B and Mid School high jump, cleared the bar at 5'4" for the win.

In the Mid School division on Saturday, returning champion Brianna Brown of Bronx Latin won both the 200m (25.91) and 400 Meters (60.22); faster times than high school leaders in these events. Brown, who holds two national age division USATF records, was awarded the Colgate Games' trophy for "Outstanding Competitor at the Finals" last season. Now a 7th grader, she began competing in the Colgate Women's Games as an Elementary A competitor and has placed first overall in every event each year since.

"This year women's track and field has been in the spotlight from the 2016 Olympics in Rio where Team USA featured six athletes who participated in the Colgate Women's Games. The Games have now produced 26 Olympians and hundreds of national age/grade division champions, an inspiration to the thousands of girls and young women of all ages and abilities that compete each year. While top talent often gets the buzz, the Colgate Games are very much about gaining experience and self-esteem and the importance of continuing education for all who participate," Toussaint said.

Also on Saturday, in the College Open division, Chante Moore of Gwynedd Mercy University in Pennsylvania won the 200M in 25.38 and the 400M in 58.3; fast opening meet races for the Pennsylvania High School Indoor and Outdoor track state champion, and the division's best 200M and 400M times in recent history. Brooklyn's Kezzian Jones won the shot put with a toss of 11.86M. The sophomore broke multiple Kingsborough College throwing records earlier this year including the shot put with a toss of 12.38M.

Nation's Fastest 8 year-old:

On Sunday in the Elementary A division, 8-year old track sensation Junior Olympic champion Damira Allen of Chester Charter School in Pennsylvania won the 400M in 1:10.05 and the 800M in 2:34.5. Allen set a record as a 7 year-old in the ESPN Games with a 400M time of 1:09.39; and another this year at the AAU Junior Olympics in August in Texas with an astonishing 1:05.89 performance. The Colgate Women's Games division record stands at 1:05.91 set by Philadelphia's Kenai Bey-English in 2015. Allen's 800M 2.34.5 is her fastest time at any major meet yet, and less than 2 seconds off a 30 year-old Colgate Women's Games record set in 1986 record set in 1986 set by All American Jawauna McMullen.

Participation in the Colgate Women's Games is completely free. Girls and young women compete within their own age/grade divisions for ribbons, medals and points. Events include 55 meters, 55-meter hurdles, 200 meters, 400 Meters, 800 meters, 1500 meters, high jump and shot put. Top point scorers advance to the Finals where they compete for trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company.

Four preliminary meets and a semi-finals at Pratt Institute will determine who will compete at the finals at the New Balance Track and Field Center at The Armory, New York Saturday, February 18, 2017, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each grade division.

Hopeful young track stars, parents and coaches can find information about the program at http://www.colgategames.com/.

(*NOTE: Hand-timed. The hand-timed race will join, not erase an electronic timed 7.40 record set in 2003 by Rayona Lynch.)

- PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-1221s2p-avery-lewis-300dpi.jpg

- Photo Caption: Philadelphia's Avery Lewis Sets Her Third Age Division Record at the Opening Meet of the 43rd annual Colgate Women's Games, at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, N.Y. this weekend.

Returning champions and promising newcomers from Boston to Virginia in first grade through college and beyond competed this weekend at the opening preliminary meet of the Colgate Women's Games, the nation's largest female amateur indoor track and field series.