Professor Paul Boyle, Swansea University's Vice-Chancellor, and Swim Wales Chief Executive Officer Fergus Feeney signing the partnership agreement.
Swim Wales, the National Governing Body for Aquatics in Wales, has announced a landmark partnership with Swansea University.
This new multi-year collaboration marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Swim Wales and Swansea University, and reinforces their shared commitment to nurturing talent, driving innovation, and promoting aquatics at all levels.
Together, Swim Wales and Swansea University are committed to creating programmes and pathways across the aquatic landscape, from supporting the world-class performance environment at Wales National Pool Swansea, to exploring collaboration opportunities that will allow them to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation in our sports.
By utilising the collective expertise, resources, and passion of both organisations, they aim to elevate aquatics in Wales, while opening a new range of opportunities to create a positive and lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of their communities.
The partnership comes just months after the launch of YMLAEN: Swim Wales’ Strategy for Aquatics in Wales. The new three-year strategy aims to drive Welsh aquatics forward, supporting 500,000 people across Wales who participate every week, and paving the way for new groups to engage with aquatics.
Swansea University is also entering a new strategic period for sport with the emergence of a sport strategy which will guide the organisation over the next decade in all aspects of sport related activity including research, teaching, student sport, high performance sport and the development of infrastructure at Swansea Bay Sports Park. The strategy sets the foundation for Swansea University to be recognised as the most active and successful sporting university in Wales.
Professor Paul Boyle, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University, said: “Sport is a distinctive feature of Swansea University’s history and heritage. Through our new sports strategy, we are committed to working with our local, national, and international partners to make our region the sporting and wellbeing capital of Wales.
“This new strategic partnership with Swim Wales is a critical step in achieving our ambitious goal. Swim Wales is a natural partner for Swansea University, given our alignment of vision and ambition, and their outstanding achievements, both in and beyond the pool, provide a unique platform for mutual success.
“We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Swim Wales across the spectrum of performance and community sport, which we know will generate significant benefit, not just for the partners but, crucially, for our wider community.”
Swim Wales Chief Executive Officer Fergus Feeney commented: “Swim Wales, the recognised Governing Body for Aquatics, is delighted to officially partner with one of the leading research-led academic institutions in the world in Swansea University.
“We have worked closely with Swansea University for a number of years from our base at Wales National Pool next door to the Singleton Campus, but this new agreement signals the beginning of a new era for both organisations.
“Swansea’s reputation as a collaborative and innovative university aligns seamlessly with the values set out in our recently launched YMLAEN Strategy. The research undertaken at the university changes lives, and we are excited about the opportunity to work together to drive progress across aquatics in Wales.”
Growth and development will be at the heart of the partnership, which will give athletes, students, and staff new opportunities to advance in their careers.
As well as giving people from across the community improved pathways to their goals, the agreement also features a commitment to the development of sustainable facilities and infrastructure.