Families will converge on Timaru today as the 31st South Island Colgate Games get under way at the Aorangi Park all-weather athletics track.
About 915 athletes will compete in the three-day event, with organisers expecting more than 3000 people to arrive in town.
The event will be a busy one for South Canterbury’s Cocking family, who have four members taking part – 12-year-old twins, Whitney and Olivia, their eight-year-old sister Renee, and Dad Andrew, who is managing the South Canterbury club competitors.
Whitney and Olivia will be competing in their fourth Colgate Games, while Renee will be participating in her first.
The twins may even compete against each other in the 100 and 200 metres races, should they make it beyond the heats, and both are equally confident they will beat the other if that should happen.
Renee will be competing for pennants in the seven to nine age-groups, participating in the 60 and 100-metre sprints, as well as the long jump and discus.
The Colgate Games are the pinnacle event for young track and field athletes, aged between seven and 14 in New Zealand.
This year the games return to Timaru for the first time since 2005.
Promotions officer Richelle Cannell said the games attracted a large number of people and the age range of competitors meant they were always accompanied by families.
She said this year’s increased entries should bring even more visitors, many of whom would spend time holidaying in the region before or after the games.
“Over the years many families have based their summer holidays around the games. “With over 900 athletes competing, this will bring an estimated 3000 people to the district, including competitors and their families. The economic benefits are significant.”
The opening ceremony for the games kicks off at 9am today with competition starting at 9.30am
