AiA makes historic signing

Less than one year of its formation, Athletes in Action (AiA),has made its first signing. Etching that piece of history for the non- profit organisation is Saviola Blake, a footballer.

Blake thus inks the partnership between the AiA and Venture Sports, USA. This opens up scholarship opportunities for Blake in the USA, with Venture Sports playing a pivotal role.

A release from AiA WI, states: “ Corporate entities and sponsors are invited to join us in supporting the dreams of young athletes like Saviola Blake. Your partnership will not only impact the lives of these individuals but also contribute to the growth and development of sports in St Vincent and the Grenadines”.

In addition, the release noted, “Athletes in Action WI aims to support more aspiring athletes like Saviola on their journey to success… Athletes in Action WI is committed to empowering the next generation of athletes, and with your support, we can achieve even greater heights.”

Responding to his potential opportunities, Blake sold himself as a versatile player who can be both offensive and defensive in the midfield position.

“I am currently specializing in midfield responsibilities, requiring delaying, channelization, acting as the first and second defender, tackling and counterattacking… I am skilled in techniques such as passing, dribbling, off-the-ball movement to support teammates, goal scoring from inside and outside the box, heading, slide tackling and shielding… I am skilled with both right and left feet, a high-intensity player with excellent timing and anticipation, positioning and a deep understanding of the game,” Blake posited.

Hailing from Diamond Village in the South Central Windward Constituency, Blake represents Sparta FC in the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation’s National Club Championships, as well as other community competitions He ventured to Jamaica in 2021 and played for Jamaica College (JC) in that country’s School Boy Football Competition, and was rewarded with a place in the All Manning Team of 2022.

To the good, Blake was instrumental in JC winning the Manning Cup that year.

Not new to being part of winning units, Blake was a member of the St Vincent and the Grenadines team that won Group A of the Caribbean Football Union’s Challenge Shield staged in St Kitts and Nevis in 2018.

Blake has since represented St Vincent and the Grenadines at the Under-20 and senior levels.

Established in 2023, the aim of AiA is to transform the sports landscape of St. Vincent and the Grenadines by creating a thriving ecosystem that integrates sports and education, and empowering youth with the tools they need to excel both on and off the field.

National swimmer, national scholar and Sports Ambassador, Shane Cadogan is the founder and organisation’s president. The Directors are Oalex Anderson; Solomon Bascombe; Sebastian Cyrus; Alex Joachim; Handal Roban; and Jules Snagg.

The AiA administrative team is completed by Paige Cadogan, secretary; and Tahj Bailey, treasurer.