PERSISTENCE HAS?paid off for Shakera Reece.
The national champion and national record holder in the women’s 100 metres has secured sponsorship from The Nation Publishing Co. Limited. The partnership was solidified with a transfer of funds when she and her coach Mike Gaskin visited the Fontabelle, St Michael, business on Monday.
This year, the company will provide the athlete with $5 000 to help cover travel expenses for upcoming international meets. She has also been provided membership to the company’s ultra-modern gym to help her stay in shape.
“The Nation is very pleased to pledge our ongoing support, both financial and otherwise, to Shakera. We recognize that one of the biggest hurdles for local athletes is securing the necessary financial support prior to major accomplishments on the international stage,” said CEO and Publisher Vivian-Anne Gittens.
“This is critical to their pursuing the level of training and meet participation, which can lead to the success that all Barbadians are looking for. We therefore will continue to support Shakera into next year, and we encourage other companies to come on board in providing the much needed assistance to her and the rest of Team Barbados.”
Gaskin told WEEKENDSPORT he had approached the company back in 2008 when Olympian Andrea Blackett retired from competition. She had been sponsored by the Nation for several years.
At that time, he wasn’t successful.
Three weeks ago, he made another bid and this time he was given the nod.
Reece recently returned from Europe where she competed at three meets.
In France, she clocked 11.52 seconds in the 100 metres. Moving on to Italy, she clocked a wind-aided 11.39 in the 100 metres and at the final meet, did 23.78 seconds in the 200 metres.
“I now know what to expect. I am willing to do it again,” Reece said.
She especially liked the atmosphere which is so different from competing at home, with young children coming to get their autographs.
Reece left the island on Wednesday to compete at the Central American and Caribbean Senior Track and Field Championships in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Also on the calendar are the Hampton Games in Trinidad and Tobago, the World University Games in China, the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, (where she is still to qualify) and the Pan Am Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. (SAT)
