Signs of good times

The recent announcement by St Vincent and the Grenadines’ current most recognized Trak and Field female athlete, Shafiqua Maloney that she has signed with renown brand, PUMA, is more than welcoming.

To many, such a move was inevitable, given her visibility and background stories last year ahead of the Paris Olympic Games.

Maloney’s popularity and presence then soared to their zenith, when she finished fourth in the Women’s 800m Final, at the Paris Olympics.

By some distance, Maloney’s placing, entrenched her in the annals of Vincentian history, as she became the first from her country to reach the finals of an Olympic Games.

Moreso, her fourth place is the best showing in the history of the Olympic Games by a female athlete from the English-Speaking Caribbean in the 800m.

Again, such a performance does not need a second invitation for sponsors to be looking in the direction of an athlete, hence Maloney’s deal was more or less obvious.

Therefore, with such a big move, Maloney has elevated herself into the big league, whereby she has a sponsor, she is counted among the elite, she has a recognized brand on her chest whenever she competes, thus, bringing an aura to her.

Whilst this column is not informed of the specifics of Maloney’s deal with PUMA, the general derivatives may include competitive endorsement packages, including base pay, performance bonuses, and appearance fees.

Whatever are the accrued benefits, Maloney stands as the major beneficiary.
Understandably, Maloney has to respond reciprocally with sustained performances, that will ensure that the sponsorship/partnership stays intact.

Beyond Maloney and her direct perks and recognitions, St Vincent and the Grenadines gets that much needed spin-offs.

Readily, the country gets a mention each time she takes the track, advertisement that we cannot afford nor repay in financial terms.

Maloney’s successes thus far, and her revelations of her travails should be an inspiration for others who have chosen sports as they get-out route.
Breaking through the glass ceiling through dedication, perseverance and commitment are vital ingredients that Maloney used to make good of her athletics talents.

In short, she undoubtedly must have inspired potential track and field athletes here in St Vincent and the Grenadines and elsewhere.

Hopefully, others will be cueing up to join her in the line of success, but not forgetting that it involves hard work.

Otherwise though, her story so far are lessons to be learnt from her, not only in the sport, but in other spheres of life.

Critically, Maloney’s rise should serve as a positive indicator to the present political directorate of St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the antagonists who are trying to reverse the positions, that sports is integral to national development and a viable outlet for economic activities.

Instead of riding the waves of the bits and pieces of success and the promises of plenty from those who are seeking the top political positions in the land, the narrative should be placing sports on the front burner.

For those who tend to forget conveniently, sports can be part of the solution list of many of the issues that are confronting St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Emphatically, stop the chatter and act!!