Colgate Women’s Games Celebrate 50th Season with Star Athletes and New Initiatives
The Colgate-Palmolive Company has officially announced the return of the Colgate Women’s Games—the longest-running indoor track and field series for girls and women in the United States. The upcoming 50th anniversary season will run from December 2025 to February 2026, with all events held at The Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory in New York City. To mark this historic milestone, the Games will be supported by world-class athletes Sha’Carri Richardson, Ajeé Wilson, and Natasha Hastings, who will help uplift and inspire the next generation of competitors.
Celebrating Athleticism and Empowerment
These Games are more than just a sporting event—they represent a legacy of empowerment, education, and opportunity for girls and women across the country. With a focus on mentorship and community, the Games have long served as a platform to showcase talent while promoting academic success.
“Track and field didn’t just teach me how to compete; it taught me how to lead, give back, and stand firm in who I am,” said Sha’Carri Richardson, 2023 World Champion in the 100m. “This sport gave me a platform to show up fully, both on and off the track. That’s why it’s important to me to support the next generation. I want them to know they can dream big, move with purpose, and never compromise their truth to fit in.”
Richardson added, “this Games is more than just an athletic competition. I am proud to partner with Colgate Women’s Games because of its commitment to opening doors and building futures for women and girls for half a century.”
A Legacy of Opportunity Since 1974
Founded in 1974 by iconic Brooklyn track coach Fred Thompson, with the support of Colgate-Palmolive, the Games have grown into a vital national event for aspiring female athletes. Since its inception, the program has inspired generations of girls and women to pursue both athletic and academic excellence.
Each year, over 100 educational scholarships are awarded to outstanding athletes based on their final standings in the Games. Scholarships are given in amounts of $2,000, $1,000, and $500, and are available to participants from elementary school through college and beyond.
“Fifty years ago, Colgate Women’s Games were started with a clear vision by my former coach and mentor, Fred Thompson: to give every participating girl and woman a safe place to run, grow, and believe in herself,” said Cheryl Toussaint, Meet Director of the Games. “Today, with the enduring support of Colgate-Palmolive, that commitment has empowered thousands—including me.”
She added, “Make no mistake, this is more than a track and field series that awards educational scholarships. This is where confidence is built and futures are shaped. We are thrilled to celebrate five decades of fostering female champions on and off the track and field—and making a real impact in their lives and beyond.”
New Partnerships and Program Enhancements
In honor of its 50th season, Colgate Women’s Games is launching new program initiatives that expand its reach and deepen its impact. These include partnerships with:
- Girls on the Run NYC, a nonprofit that uses running and mentorship to build confidence and life skills in girls.
- PowerPlay NYC, which partners with schools to support the physical, emotional, and academic development of young women through sport.
Additionally, Colgate-Palmolive will increase its support for The Armory Foundation, a New York City nonprofit dedicated to promoting youth achievement through athletics and education.
Commitment to Access and Equity
Colgate-Palmolive’s commitment to the Games has remained steadfast since the beginning. As part of its support, the company covers all participation and admission costs, ensuring that athletes, their families, and supporters can attend free of charge.
All registered participants receive a complimentary competitor t-shirt and a free family care package filled with Colgate-Palmolive’s essential health and hygiene products, reinforcing the company’s broader mission of promoting health and well-being in the communities it serves.
“Colgate-Palmolive is committed to our purpose of reimagining a healthier future for all,” said Dana Bolden, Chief Communications Officer at Colgate-Palmolive. “We are proud that Colgate Women’s Games has been creating access and opportunities for generations of girls and women to create healthier, brighter futures.”
He continued, “This 50th milestone season is more than a celebration of what we’ve accomplished together: it’s a powerful reminder of the power of collective commitment to education, health, well-being, and opportunity. We’re proud to have supported this transformative program for five decades and are even more excited about its future.”
Competition Details and Eligibility
The 50th season of Colgate Women’s Games will include four meets:
- Preliminary Meets: December 28, 2025, and January 4, 2026
- Semi-Finals: January 18, 2026
- Finals: February 7, 2026
All competitions will be held at The Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory in New York City.
Eligibility is open to:
- Girls in grades 1 and above, enrolled in and attending school
- Women in college and beyond
Each participant may enter two events per preliminary meet, with events varying by grade division. Event categories include:
- 55-meter dash
- 55-meter hurdles
- 200-meter dash
- 400-meter dash
- 800-meter run
- 1,500-meter run
- High jump
- Shot put
Participants will be awarded medals and ribbons during preliminary rounds, while trophies and scholarships will be awarded to top finishers at the semi-finals and finals.
A Half Century of Excellence—and Counting
As Colgate Women’s Games enters its 50th year, its legacy of inclusion, inspiration, and achievement continues to grow. With the support of world-renowned athletes, community organizations, and the unwavering backing of Colgate-Palmolive, the Games remain a powerful force in shaping the lives and futures of young women.
Whether on the track, in the classroom, or in the community, the Colgate Women’s Games are proving once again that opportunity, mentorship, and commitment can drive lifelong success.
Online registration and entry forms will be available this fall through the Colgate Women’s Games website. For more information and to sign up for updates on the 50th Season, visit www.ColgateWomensGames.com and follow on Instagram.
About Colgate-Palmolive Company
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. Focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition, we sell our products in more than 200 countries and territories under brands such as Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, hello, meridol, Sorriso, Tom’s of Maine, EltaMD, Filorga, Irish Spring, Lady Speed Stick, PCA SKIN, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Speed Stick, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Murphy, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet.
We are recognized for our leadership and innovation in promoting sustainability and community wellbeing, including our achievements in decreasing plastic waste and promoting recyclability, saving water, conserving natural resources and improving children’s oral health through the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, which has reached approximately 1.8 billion children and their families since 1991. For more information about Colgate’s global business and how we are building a future to smile about, visit www.colgatepalmolive.com.
