Founded in 1974 by legendary Brooklyn track coach Fred Thompson with the support of Colgate-Palmolive, Colgate Women's Games has championed the power of athletics, mentorship and education to transform the lives of thousands of female athletes through organized sport. Over five decades, the program has awarded more than 5,000 academic scholarships and served as a launching pad for nearly 30 athletes who have competed on the world's biggest stages and hundreds of National Champions.

During the Opening Ceremony, Noel Wallace, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Colgate-Palmolive, welcomed athletes, alumnae, fans and family members and invited them to reflect on this moment. "People often ask why Colgate-Palmolive has supported Colgate Women's Games for 50 years. The answer is simple: because it works,” Noel shared. “I am proud today as we celebrate 50 seasons. That’s 50 years, over 5,000 scholarships awarded, and countless lives changed for the better."

This season included special partnerships with world-class athletes Sha'Carri Richardson, Dalilah Muhammad, Ajee' Wilson, and Natasha Hastings, with the latter three beginning their athletic journeys on the CWG track. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden also joined the group at the Finals, transforming the moment into a living bridge between past and future, as these elite athletes met with competitors, shared their stories and showed the next generation what is possible when girls are provided with opportunities to excel on the track and in the classroom.

A Milestone Moment at The Armory

CWG is the longest-running indoor track & field series for girls and women in the United States. The Opening Ceremony kicked off with a powerful 50th Anniversary Parade of Finalists, led by over 300 CWG alumnae. Women traveled in from New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, California and beyond to honor the program and celebrate the role Colgate Women’s Games has played in their lives.

"This season is a testament to the enduring power of athletics to change lives," said Cheryl Toussaint, international medalist and Meet Director, Colgate Women's Games. "Every young woman who steps onto our track becomes part of a legacy that spans generations – one rooted in courage, ambition and the belief that extraordinary things happen when girls and women are given the opportunity to compete and grow."

Among the distinguished alumnae recognized were two members of the Supreme Court of New York, civic leaders, entrepreneurs, doctors, world champions and more.

Investing in the Next Generation

In honor of the 50th anniversary milestone, Colgate-Palmolive announced the "Ready, Set, Dream" Grant program, which will award five $10,000 grants in 2026 to eligible track and field clubs that have supported CWG athletes over multiple seasons. The initiative is designed to strengthen grassroots programs and expand access to support and nurture the next generation of trailblazers on the track.

Looking Ahead

After 50 years, Colgate Women’s Games continues to prove that when girls are given opportunity and a community that believes in them, they don’t just win races -- they run toward their future. 

Plans are already underway for the 51st season of Colgate Women's Games in winter 2026/27. 

Learn more about Colgate Women’s Games and follow CWG on Instagram.