Top young athletes recognised at Colgate Games

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Eight of New Zealand’s most outstanding young athletes - including two from Selwyn - have been awarded the prestigious Nick Willis Scholarships for their performance and sportsmanship at the North and South Island Colgate Games.

The scholarships, worth $500 each, were awarded to the young athletes after three days of exceptional performance on and off the field in Wellington and Invercargill.

Each year Colgate and Athletics New Zealand provide eight scholarships named after Colgate Games alumnus Nick Willis for athletes who display exceptional sportsmanship – four from the North Island Games and four from the South Island.

Selwyn Athletic Club members Jody McCarthy Dempsey, 14
, and Meg Edwards, also 14, both won scholarships this year.

Colgate general manager John Garside said the Nick Willis Scholarship winners stood out among their peers.

“Each of the Nick Willis Scholarship winners demonstrated true talent and are an inspiration to their fellow athletes demonstrating respect on and off the field," he said.

“The whole athletics community can be proud."

Awarded for the first time in 2013, each scholarship is worth $500 and is intended to support junior athletes to buy equipment, support additional coaching or other training costs.

The Colgate Games is New Zealand’s longest running children’s athletics event which began in 1978.

Congratulations Jody and Meg!