Inspiring Future Leaders at the 49th Colgate Women’s Games
The nation's longest-running indoor track & field series for girls and women wraps up an exciting season at The Armory in NYC.
Category
Community impact
Published
February 13, 2025
From the starting event to the final sprint, the 49th season of Colgate Women’s Games was a celebration of talent, perseverance and dreams in motion. This season marked the much-anticipated return to the indoor track season, with all competition taking place at The Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory in New York City.
For nearly 50 seasons, Colgate-Palmolive has provided thousands of girls and women with the opportunity to develop their athletic and academic potential through the Colgate Women’s Games. Founded in 1974 by legendary Brooklyn track coach Fred Thompson, with the support of Colgate-Palmolive, Colgate Women’s Games has promoted the power of athletics, mentorship and education to help transform the lives of thousands of female athletes through organized sport.
Participating athletes have the opportunity to win one of more than 100 education scholarships awarded by Colgate-Palmolive each season, in $2,000, $1,000, and $500 denominations based on order of finish through the finals. Additionally, Colgate-Palmolive covers all costs of Colgate Women’s Games, allowing athletes to participate and their family and friends to attend at no cost. Participants receive a complimentary, exclusive competitor’s t-shirt as well as a free family care package of Colgate-Palmolive’s essential health and hygiene products. The Series has become an incubator for developing athletic and academic talent, with hundreds of National Champions and thousands who have gone on to pursue higher education.
“Colgate Women’s Games is more than just a track and field competition – it’s a gateway to opportunity,” said Cheryl Toussaint, world-class championship medalist and Meet Director, Colgate Women’s Games. “Every athlete who steps onto our track is proving to herself and those around her that she has the courage and ambition to chase her dreams. Seeing these young women compete for educational scholarships and achieve success year after year proves that sensational things can happen when talent meets opportunity.”
Guests of honor at this year’s Opening Ceremony included John Kooyman, President, Colgate-Palmolive North America; New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams; and Ajeé Wilson, a former standout athlete of Colgate Women’s Games who has become a world-class middle-distance runner. Both Kooyman and Adams shared words of encouragement and inspiration with the day’s finalists. Kooyman said: “Colgate is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all. The Games align well to our purpose, because we believe healthier futures and education go hand in hand. This program leverages the power of competition, mentorship and education to help girls and women achieve their dreams.”
Cheryl Toussaint was also honored with a New York City Council Proclamation presented by Speaker Adams, in recognition of her lifelong commitment to fostering opportunities for young female athletes.
After two preliminary meets where more than 1,200 girls and women competed and a high-stakes semi-final – a modern-day record of registered athletes for the program – 218 finalists earned their place in the finals. Participants competed across various track and field events, including the 55-meter dash, 55-meter hurdles, 200-meter dash, 400-meter dash, 800-meter run, 1,500-meter run, high jump, and shot put. Numerous runners achieved new personal bests and a handful even broke Colgate Women’s Games records. First, second, and third place winners in each division received one of more than 100 academic scholarships awarded by Colgate-Palmolive.
Standout performances from this season’s athletes:
Kaddel Howard of Cedar Crest High School, Lebanon, PA, set a new Colgate Women’s Games high school division record of 23.88 seconds with her 200-meter dash victory, narrowly beating out second place finisher, Renna Rubenstein of the Brearley School in New York City. Kaddel received the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Trophy for "Outstanding Competitor at the Finals."
Eight-year-old Talya Lorde, representing Brooklyn Heights Montessori School and the Brooklyn Jeuness Track Club in Brooklyn, NY, competed in the Games for the first time this year and won the Elementary A 800-meters final. Tayla received the Donna De Varona Trophy as the “Most Promising Newcomer” in the series.
Colgate Women’s Games veteran Dylan McElhinney, who attends Hunter College High School in New York City, was named the “Outstanding Competitor at the Preliminaries and the Semi-Finals.” She wowed the crowd with her 4 minutes and 33 seconds-win in the 1500-meter run.
Abigail Robisky, from MS 9 on Staten Island, NY, won the Middle School 400-meter dash by 4 seconds, set a new meet record of 56.02 seconds, and was named Most Improved Competitor.
Chante Moore-Torres from Philadelphia, PA shattered a Colgate Women’s Games record in the 30's Plus division of the 200-meter dash with a time of 25.22 seconds.
With another successful season in the books, Colgate Women’s Games continues to inspire, and offers girls and women a platform to showcase their talents, build confidence, and help pursue their educational goals. Exciting plans are already underway for the landmark 50th Anniversary of Colgate Women’s Games next winter 2025/26. Athletes, parents, coaches, and fans can stay informed about next season by visiting: https://www.colgatewomensgames.com/en-us
