Corporate SVG Backs Shafiqua Maloney with over $300,000 Fundraiser 

By Admin. Updated 1:16 p.m., Friday, March 21, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

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.

ECGC, along with hotel partner – Holiday Inn Express, curated an event that allowed Olympian 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 organizations at the event and those who have been supporting her journey even before the 2024 Olympics. She said: “It’s important because we just don’t go on to the track and run, there is a whole support system, of doctors, nutritionist, psychologist, therapist, coaches and trainers needed to help us attain an elite level.” She added: “I don’t run for Shafiqua, I run for you, I run for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Corporate SVG launched a stellar effort soaring past 300K EC of the 500K EC goal. Following the March 8th event, and with a full six months before the September World Championships in Japan, organizers are confident they will reach and exceed the target.

Maloney will compete in China this weekend, at the World Indoor Championships, the first of two major global athletic events for 2025. She currently has 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.

CEO of ECGC J.Robert Cato, whose brand Island Sipz has a 2-year deal with Maloney, encouraged other business leaders to support her. He said: “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 and the Grenadines, and is a positive for our tourism”.

Cato added that: “There is space for more Vincentian, Caribbean, and global brands to support Maloney, and the time is now. We can clearly see how athletics’ success has helped enhance Brand Jamaica and brought more attention and visitors to Grenada, St. Lucia and Dominica, helped greatly by the success of their athletes”.

Several organizations have already contributed to the Inspiration World Championship preparation fund including: The Government of SVG, Bank of SVG, National Properties Ltd., Carnival Escape – MR16, St. Vincent Building and Loan Association, Eveready Funeral Home, ADS Construction, SVG Port Authority, Swift Pac, The Cell SVG, SOL EC Ltd., 1st National Bank, Grenadine House, ECGC and 360 Sports Bar.

The call remains to join “The Inspiration Movement” and support Shafiqua Maloney. Contributions can be made directly to Shafiqua Maloney bank accounts: Shafiqua Maloney, BOSVG | Acc# 159425 | Savings, or Shafiqua Maloney, 1st National Bank | Acc #: 1379000384 | Savings.

Viewers around the Caribbean can see Maloney in action World Athletics Indoor Championships, Nanjing 25, set for March 21-23. Local times for her events are this Friday 21st at 11:55 a.m. – Heats, Saturday the 22nd at 12:05 p.m. – Semi-Finals, and Sunday the 23rd at 8:54 p.m. – Finals. The races can be viewed on various online platforms and on BBC and ABC Television networks.