More than $300 thousand raised in support of Shafiqua Maloney

A corporate fundraiser spearheaded by the East Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC) in support of Vincentian Olympics athlete, Shafiqua Maloney, and held earlier this month has raised over $300,000.

“The Inspiration”, the first in a series of major fundraisers hosted by ECGC to drive awareness and support for Maloney, was held on March 8, 2025, International Women’s Day.

ECGC, along with hotel partner, Holiday Inn Express, curated the event that allowed Maloney to give the business sector insight into what is involved in being successful at international track & field, a release from ECGC states.

The international athlete also took the opportunity to thank the organizations at the event and those that have been supporting her journey from before the 2024 Tokyo Olympics.

“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,” Maloney explained.

“I don’t run for Shafiqua, I run for you, I run for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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 is quoted in the release as stating.

“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,” Cato pointed out.

Several organizations have already contributed to the Inspiration World Championship

With a full six months before the September World Championships in Japan, organizers are confident they will reach and exceed the $500,000 target.