Coreas commits $54,000 to Shafiqua Maloney’s Paris Olympics dream

Coreas, comprising Coreas Hazells Inc and its subsidiaries and Coreas Distribution Ltd., today (Friday) announced a strategic partnership with US-based Vincentian track and field sensation Shafiqua Maloney.

The collaboration involves the investment of EC$54,000 to support Maloney’s journey to the 2024 Olympics.

“As leading companies in the private sector, Coreas is committed to fostering talent, promoting athleticism, and contributing to the success of outstanding individuals like Shafiqua Maloney,” the company said.

The company said that the EC$54,000 will directly contribute to Maloney’s training, travel expenses, and preparations for the 2024 Olympics.

Maloney will also serve as a brand ambassador for Coreas, “aligning her values with the company’s mission and vision,” the company said, adding, “The collaboration will extend beyond financial support to include joint promotional activities.”

Coreas said it has a longstanding tradition of empowering local talent and contributing to the development of the community.

“This partnership exemplifies the company’s dedication to nurturing and promoting excellence within the region,” the company said.

“Shafiqua Maloney, a shining example of dedication and perseverance has not only excelled in her athletic pursuits but has also inspired others to reach for their dreams. By investing in talented individuals like Shafiqua, Coreas not only nurtures success but also cultivates a culture of excellence and achievement within the organisation.” 

In mid-February, Maloney, who broke her national record in the 800 metres when she ran 1:58.69 at the 2024 Tyson Invitational in Arkansas, United States, spoke about the challenges she faces as she pursues her professional athlete dream. 

In running 1:58.69, Maloney, 24, also met the 2024 Paris Olympic Games entry standard of 1:59.30 and a GoFundMe account has been set up to help her finance her dream.

Maloney told SportsMax that she was homeless for several months over the last year and has not paid her coaches for years. 

At the same time, she said that the national athletics group in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) had said that it has no money to help her to pursue her dreams. 

“I’ve been homeless for like couple of months. … especially last year, I was bouncing around from home to home. Right now, I live in like a dorm situation. So, I’m happy for these people who allow me to stay here right now. But it’s been hard,” she said, referring to the University of Arkansas. 

She said she was at risk of being denied permission to re-enter the United States if she leaves for the Paris games, because of an issue with her visa.

But many Vincentians were shocked to hear about the challenges Maloney had been encountering while pursuing her professional athlete dream.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves later pledged his government’s support for Maloney.

He said that he had also received information from the Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies indicating that it wanted to engage in possibly a sponsorship deal with Maloney.

“And I said, I’m sure we can do something together not only for her, but also for Handal Roban, who is not in the same situation. But you know, but he needs support, too. And he had sent something also” Gonsalves said.

“I want to say this, as you might have heard me repeat this over and over again, when athletes go overseas, it is important that the athletes themselves, their coaches, the Athletics Association, the Olympic Committee, keep in touch with the government, through the Ministry of Sports. So that we will know what is happening, what times you are doing, what structures, what systems you are involved in, we can’t do this thing on an ad hoc basis.”