Courtesy: Speedo, a SwimSwam partner.
Global swimwear brand Speedo was today revealed as the official kit provider for the London 2019 World Para Swimming Allianz Championships (September 9th – 15th).
Featuring 650 athletes across more than 80 countries, the deal sees Speedo continue its long-standing relationship with para sport by supporting athletes at the highest level, including Sophie Pascoe (NZL), Aurelie Rivard (CAN), Becca Meyers (USA), Taka Suzuki (JPN) and Vincenzo Boni (ITA).
The week-long Championships is the biggest Para-Swimming event outside of the Paralympics and will take place at the London’s Aquatics Centre. With more than 500 medals to be won across the 162 races, the meeting will also be a key qualifier event for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo and is the second-time in recent years a British venue will host the competition after Glasgow did the honours in 2015.
Speaking about the deal, Sean Kavanagh, global director of sports marketing and sponsorship at Speedo, said: “Speedo wants to inspire everybody to swim, whether you are a leisure and fitness swimmer or competing at the highest elite level. Inclusion is a core value for Speedo and we view events like this as integral in getting more people into the sport.
“London 2019 puts a spotlight on the sport and its amazing athletes for viewers both in the stands and on TV, and we hope that this increased exposure will inspire people all over the world to give swimming a try.”
Pascoe said: “London 2019 is a key meet for us ahead of the Paralympics next year and I’m really looking forward to competing. Speedo has always been a big supporter of Para-Swimming and have helped provide me with all the kit I need to train and compete at the highest level. Their latest innovation – the Speedo LZR Pure Intent – has been great all season which I have worn for all five of my World Record swims this year, so I’m excited to be racing in it again for World Champs!
“I like to think I help inspire the next generation and ensure that our sport continues to grow and demonstrate that having a disability does not define you, nor rule you out from being a swimmer, whether that is down at your local pool or on a global stage.”
As part of the deal, Speedo will provide t-shirts for the 2000-strong workforce and crew of volunteers, and will provide competitive suits for athletes who wish to wear the latest Fastskin Valor or Intent swimsuits. Speedo will also have a retail presence on the ground at the Aquatics Centre with memorabilia for the event on sale, which will be televised on Channel 4.
Speedo’s support of the World Para Swimming Allianz Championships is a continuation of its mission to drive inclusivity and participation in Swimming.
About Speedo®
The world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo® is passionate about life in and around the water, creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations, and supports swimming from grass-roots through to the elite level. In the 1920s Speedo® made history with the Racerback: the world’s first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo® redefined swimwear again with Fastskin® LZR RACER® – the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created. 2011 saw Speedo unveil another world first with the Fastskin Racing System – a cap, goggle and suit designed to work together as one. Speedo® is owned by Speedo Holdings B.V and distributed in over 170 countries around the world. To find out more visit: www.speedo.com.