Finalists include three who travelled all the way from Georgia each week, including Rasunek Tyer-Thompson, in first place in the Elementary B 55 meters; Kaylee Sleiman, who travelled each week from Quincy, Mass., just outside of Boston, presently in fourth in the Elementary B hurdles; and Saleena Abdur-Rashed from Brookline, Mass., another suburb of Boston, also presently in fourth in the college/open high jump.
Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint said, “The commitment of these girls and their families to travel hundreds of miles for their kids to participate is a testament to the importance of our program. The Colgate Women’s Games spotlight the achievements of these younger competitors, empowering them with self-esteem and encouraging all young people to seek their talents and effect their own futures.”
Egypt Parker of the Bronx continued to dominate the high school shot put, where participation swelled to record numbers as word spread that the event provides another path to success for athletes with different skill sets. Parker tossed 11.82 for the semi-finals win.
Also in the high school division, Brooklyn’s Allysa Sandy finished undefeated in the 55-meter hurdles, after an 8.35 win, and Tia Livingston of New Jersey, who heads to the finals in second place in the shot put, competed in both the hurdles and shot put throughout the season—an unusual combination displaying the talents of a truly gifted athlete.
Toussaint thanked all of this year’s participants, parents and coaches for their support. “We applaud every parent and coach that supported participants by bringing them to Brooklyn each week, including hundreds who travelled great distances. The time they’ve invested in their kids today will surely pay off in positive ways throughout their futures,” she said.
The finals of the 41st annual Colgate Women’s Games will take place at the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory, Saturday, Feb. 7, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from the Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each age and grade division.
Participation in the nation’s largest track and field series for women is completely free. Visit colgategames.com for complete details.