Team Owai shines in Tauranga

2026 North Island Colgate Games

What a weekend! Competing in hot conditions across three full on days, our 12 athletes competed with determination and fantastic team spirit at this year's North Island Colgate Games in Tauranga last weekend. This is a big event - 1300 athletes aged 7-14 from across NZ and Australia compete for medals (ages 10-14), ribbons and the fun of it, across sprints, hudles, middle distance and field events, and our Owai athletes were amongst it all. Many came away with goals achieved, season’s bests, PBs, ribbons and podium finishes. For some it was their first Colgate Games, or first big athletics meet. Well done to you all!

Congratulations to Ben Lui, who came home with two gold medals, as the fastest NZ athlete in the 13 boys 100m and 400m. Ben also made semis in the 200m, and placed 8th in long jump! Not bad for your first Colgate Games, Ben.

Gemma Kivell (also her first Colgates) jumped 1.60 m for gold in the 14 girls high jump, with Annah Bratton jumping 1.50m for bronze. How cool to have two Owai athletes on the podium in this event. Anna also placed 4th in the long jump. Jessy and Billie picked up several placings between them in the 9th grade events, while Grace Parkinson, Revanth Kishore and Elliot Timmins all set PBs and season's bests across their events.

Full results for athletes in grades 10-14 can be viewed here.

Huge thanks to team manager Sheenal for keeping everyone organised and motivated, and to all the parents and whanau, event organisers and volunteers who helped make the games such a great event to be part of.

Keen for next year? Save the date and plan your summer holiday around it! 8-10 January 2027 in Whangārei ☀️