Saskia Kalotapu, 10, of the Selwyn Athletics Club, leads a group through the first lap of the girl's 800m grade 10 race. Photo: Geoff Sloan
More than 900 seven to 14-year-olds are taking part in the three-day track and field meet at Nga Puna Wai Sports Hub in Halswell. The finals will be held over the weekend.
It is the first time Canterbury has hosted the event since 2008.
The majority of athletes have come from around the South Island - but there are also competitors from the North Island and from as far afield as Australia.
More than 450 athletes from Canterbury are competing, with 2500 spectators expected to attend the event between Friday and Sunday afternoon.
The Colgate Games were first established in 1978.
Ben Lamborn, 8, of the Sumner Running Club, competes in the boys long jump grade 8 div 1, 2, 3. Photo: Geoff Sloan
Amelia Henstock, 11, of the Christchurch Avon Athletics Club, is first across the line in the girl's 800m grade 10 heat. Photo: Geoff Sloan
