The Inspiration, the first in a series of major fundraising events, was hosted by the East Caribbean Group of Companies, ECGC, on March 8, International Women’s Day, to drive awareness and support for Shafiqua Maloney.
Several organisations contributed funds to the Olympian Vincentian.
ECGC, along with hotel partner Holiday Inn Express, curated an event that allowed Maloney to give the business sector insight into what is involved in being successful at international track and field.
Maloney also took the opportunity to thank the organisations at the event and those that have been supporting her journey from before the 2024 Olympics.
“It’s important because we just don’t go on to the track and run. There is a whole support system of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, therapists, coaches and trainers needed to help us attain an elite level,” Maloney said.
“I don’t run for Shafiqua. I run for you; I run for St. Vincent and the Grenadines”
Corporate SVG has launched a stellar effort, soaring past EC$300,000 of the EC$500,000 goal.
Following the successful March 8 event, and with a full six months before the September World Championships in Japan, organisers are confident they will reach and exceed the target.
Maloney will compete in China this weekend, at the World Indoor Championships China, the first of two major global athletic events for 2025. She will have the world’s 3rd fastest time over 800 meters in 2025.
In February, Maloney established a brilliant time in the 800 meters while setting a meet record of 1:59.07 at the Millrose Meet in New York and continues to increase the spotlight for St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the world athletics stage.
J. Robert Cato, CEO of ECGC, whose brand Island Sipz has a two-year deal with Maloney, encouraged other business leaders to support.
“Financial support from businesses helps the athlete, creates goodwill, increases commercial growth for your brands and directly impacts the economy by boosting the name of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and is a positive for our tourism,” Cato said.
“There is space for more Vincentian, Caribbean and global brands to support Shafiqua and the time is now. We can clearly see how athletics success has helped enhance Brand Jamaica, brought more attention and visitors to Grenada, St. Lucia and Dominica, helped greatly by the success of their athletes”.
“The call remains to join ‘The Inspiration movement’ and support Shafiqua Maloney,” ECGC said in a statement.
Contributions can be made directly to Maloney bank accounts:
Shafiqua Maloney, BOSVG | Account No.: 159425 | Savings,
Shafiqua Maloney, 1st National Bank | Account No.: 1379000384 | Savings.
Viewers around the Caribbean can see Maloney in action at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, Nanjing 25, set for March 21-23. Local times for her events are this Friday (today) March 21at 11:55 a.m. – heats; Saturday at 12:05 p.m. — Semi-Finals, and Sunday at 8:54 p.m. — finals. The races can be viewed on various online platforms and on BBC and ABC Television networks.
Let’s be realistic is this athlete not too old for world class performances? At 26 years old you are getting close to the end of your athletic career. I wish you all the best but I will hold my heart for you.