PR 102 - FINA signs partnership with Arena

Doha (QAT), December 5, 2014 - In a Press Conference held before the finals’ session of the third day of the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Doha (QAT), FINA highlighted the level of performances and the quality of the organisation of the competition in the Qatari capital. On this occasion, two other ceremonies were held: the signature of the formal agreement with FINA Official Partner Arena, and the recognition of the FINA/AIPS Young Reporters covering this event.

“The competition was already highlighted by a new record of participation, as 950 athletes from 172 National Federations are taking part in this great event. Before the third session of finals, the performances are also outstanding: no less than seven World Records have already been established and we have witnessed memorable races in this superb Hamad Aquatic Centre!” considered the FINA President Dr. Julio C. Maglione. “The remaining days will for sure be very exciting. The venue is spectacular and our stars are providing a great show”, concluded the FINA President.

Then, in the presence of Cristiano Portas, Arena CEO, and Masatoshi Ishimoto, President of Descente, was signed the partnership agreement with Arena. The six-year deal, which began with the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Doha, will run until the 18th FINA World Championships and FINA World Masters Championships in 2019, in Gwangiu (KOR).

According to the agreement terms, Arena is an official sponsor and technical partner at all FINA major events, including the FINA World Championships and FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), the World Junior Swimming Championships, and the World Masters Championships. In addition, the three diamond brand will also be FINA’s exclusive supplier of swimwear, sportswear, swimming equipment, and training aids for all officers, staff and volunteers involved in these events.

“FINA is naturally satisfied to sign this agreement with Arena. This is a very solid and prestigious brand, constantly working for the benefit of our athletes in major events”, said Dr. Maglione. “Through this partnership, the image and value of FINA and of its Aquatic sports are surely reinforced worldwide. Moreover, the added-value of this association will greatly enhance the promotion and exposure of our World Championships”, considered the FINA President.

“We are extremely proud about this long term partnership with FINA. This is truly a defining moment for Arena”, said Cristiano Portas, Arena CEO. “Swimming and the other aquatic sports are our life, therefore to be even more involved with swimming world class events, as well as with the sport’s global governing body, makes us very happy and positive about our common future. Our partnership with FINA is a great opportunity to give back to the sport what it has given us so much and to keep growing together”.

“This is a very important agreement for Arena and for Descente”, said Mr. Masatoshi Ishimoto, President of the Japan-based Descente, which owns and manages the Arena brand in Far East. “We are looking forward to working with FINA to continue to promote the tremendous growth of swimming in Asia, as well as helping to stage the successful international events that FINA has become renowned for. In that regard, in 2015 we will be working hard to ensure that Asia’s first staging of the World Junior Swimming Championships in Singapore in September will be an unqualified success”.

Finally, the FINA President gave the diplomas to the participants in the FINA/AIPS Young Reporters Programme, recognising their support to the successful coverage of the FINA activities in Doha. “I sincerely hope that this experience will allow you to continue covering our major events in the five continents”, declared Dr. Julio C. Maglione to the journalists taking part in this initiative and coming from 10 countries: Australia, China, Germany, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and Uruguay.