13-year-old Daneya Charles has been given a well-deserved boost in her quest to secure her place in history. At a press conference last Friday, it was announced by Karib Cable’s Marketing Manager Justin John that his company has endorsed tennis player Daneya – making her the first athlete ever to be signed by the company.{{more}}

A Girls’ High School (GHS) student, Daneya is currently ranked number one locally in tennis among Under 14 Girls and, along with Halima Michael, is the Female Doubles champion. The Golden Vale resident, along with her parents Egbert and Veronica Charles, made the deal official by signing the relevant contracts. She will be assisted with travel, accommodation, registration fees and any other expenses incurred when travelling overseas to partake in tournaments representing SVG. The endorsement, which will provide Daneya with EC$1,500 every time she participates in regional tournaments, will be for one year – running from June 2008 until the end of May 2009. Additionally, Daneya received a cheque for EC$4,500, which covered her participation in recent tournaments and will also assist her in an upcoming tournament taking place in Martinique.

Daneya, who seemed somewhat overwhelmed by the attention, sincerely thanked Karib Cable for their support towards her tennis career. “I will always endeavour to do my best in representing Karib Cable and St. Vincent & the Grenadines,” she promised. Her father, Egbert Charles, also expressed his gratitude and gave his word that he would do his utmost to ensure that Daneya achieves her goals and makes Karib Cable proud.

Marketing Manager Justin John spoke of Karib Cable’s pleasure in being involved in this venture. “We’re very happy to sign Daneya on to Karib Cable as a representative, an athlete, under the Karib Cable umbrella,” he affirmed. He expressed high expectations for Daneya, hoping to one day see her competing at Wimbledon and likening her potential to that of international tennis ace Serena Williams. John further spoke of Karib Cable’s ongoing cultural, environmental, educational and sporting commitment to SVG, and made mention of their past assistance to long-distance runner Pamenos Ballantyne and other sporting teams.

Karib Cable’s Chief Accountant Sheron Haynes spoke on behalf of Karib Cable owners Kelly and Jankey Glass. Haynes wished Daneya every success both in her tennis and academic career. “We hope that we have a successful partnership throughout the year…” (JSV)