The Nation’s Longest-Running Indoor Track & Field Series for Girls and Women Returns in December with New Nonprofit Partners Girls On The Run NYC and PowerPlay NYC

Colgate-Palmolive Company announced today that Colgate Women’s Games, the nation’s longest-running indoor Track & Field series for girls and women, will return this December with Sha'Carri Richardson, Ajeé Wilson and Natasha Hastings supporting its 50th anniversary. The 50th Season will run from December 2025 to February 2026, with events taking place at The Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory in New York City.

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Sha'Carri Richardson

“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. 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,” said Sha'Carri Richardson, 2023 World Champion in the 100m. "Colgate Women’s 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.”

Rooted in a mission of education, mentorship and athletic excellence, Colgate Women’s Games has inspired generations of students and athletes to pursue their educational goals. The Games were founded in 1974 by legendary Brooklyn track and field coach Fred Thompson, with the support of Colgate-Palmolive. Participating athletes have the opportunity to win one of more than 100 educational scholarships awarded by Colgate-Palmolive each year, in $2,000, $1,000, and $500 denominations, based on order of finish in the series’ finals.

“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, Colgate Women’s Games. “Today, with the enduring support of Colgate-Palmolive, that commitment has empowered thousands – including me. 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.”

The 50th season will honor the remarkable legacy of Colgate Women’s Games while introducing new program initiatives, including partnerships with Girls on the Run NYC, a national nonprofit organization that aims to inspire life skills and promote positive social, emotional and holistic health outcomes through physical activity and PowerPlay NYC, an organization that partners with schools throughout New York to inspire young women through sport. Colgate-Palmolive will also increase its longtime support of The Armory Foundation, a NYC nonprofit dedicated to serving youth and its community by promoting excellence through a broad range of athletic, educational and community programs.

Colgate-Palmolive, which has supported the Games since its founding, has helped develop and expand Colgate Women’s Games into the impactful program it is today. Each year, the Company awards more than 100 educational scholarships along with other honors to high performers, while nurturing the values the series embodies. Colgate-Palmolive covers all expenses associated with Colgate Women’s Games, allowing athletes to participate – and their families and friends to attend – at no cost. Registered participants receive a complimentary competitor t-shirt as well as a free family care package with Colgate-Palmolive’s essential health & hygiene products.

“Colgate-Palmolive is committed to our purpose of reimagining a healthier future for all, and 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,” said Dana Bolden, Chief Communications Officer, Colgate-Palmolive. “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, wellbeing and opportunity. We’re proud to have supported this transformative program for five decades and are even more excited about the future of the program.”

Competition Details

This season’s events will be held indoors at the Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory and will include preliminary meets on December 28, 2025 and January 4, 2026, the semi-finals on January 18, 2026 and the finals on February 7, 2026, where top competitors will have the chance to earn educational scholarships awarded by Colgate-Palmolive.

All girls grades one and above who are enrolled in and attending school, as well as women in college and beyond, are eligible to participate in two events at each preliminary meet. Events include: 55-meter dash, 55-meter hurdles, 200-meter dash, 400-meter dash, 800-meter run, 1,500-meter run, high jump and shot put, depending on grade division. Medals and ribbons are awarded to top place finishers in each event at preliminary meets, and trophies and medals are awarded to semi-finalists and finalists.

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.

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"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.” Sha'Carri Richardson, 2023 World Champion in the 100m