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On the eve of Rio 2016 and the start of the Olympic aquatic competitions, Swimming Australia has announced an eight year partnership with Optus that sees the telecommunications company become a Principal Partner of the peak body.

Aiming to bring more support to Australian swimmers at every level of the sport, the partnership sees Optus become a Major Partner of the Australian Dolphins, with access to the Swimmer Ambassadorial Program, plus branding and activation opportunities at Swimming Australia events.

The partnership also grants naming right to Swimming Australia’s junior swim program, the Optus Junior Dolphins. This program is designed to encourage kids to keep swimming after they have learnt the basics and continue to build their confidence in the water. Optus Junior Dolphins is set to launch through accredited swimming clubs, swim schools and primary schools in October 2016, following a successful national pilot.

Commenting on the partnership, Ben White, Managing Director of Marketing and Product at Optus stated “we are excited to partner with Swimming Australia and build on Optus’ support for Australian athletes.

“Swimming is such a huge part of our lives here in Australia, and with almost half of kids aged between six and 13 (years) regularly participating in swimming activities, it’s important for grassroots programs like Optus Junior Dolphins to help kids gain the skills and confidence they need around the water..

“We are proud to help encourage people to get involved – whether it’s the Saturday morning swimming lessons for the kids or watching our Olympic swim team achieve milestones that will go down in history.

“Through our partnerships with Swimming Australia and the Australian Olympic and Paralympic teams, Optus is helping swimmers of every level achieve their best,” said Mr White.

Providing the tools and knowledge to help participants of all ages and abilities become involved in one of Australia’s favourite sports is a key priority for both Optus and Swimming Australia.

Optus will also support the launch of Optus Swimfinder on the Swimming Australia website. People looking for advice and information about their local pool, a local swim club to join or the closest Optus Junior Dolphins program, can jump online and get all the info they need in one place.

Swimming Australia President John Bertrand added “we are absolutely delighted to be able to announce our new partnership with Optus.

“We are approaching the time where the whole of Australia stops to watch the swimming and this new deal has the opportunity to change the face of the sport of swimming in this country.

“Swimming Australia has a goal of inspiring Australians to be the swimmer they want to be. This partnership will be vital from the grass roots, to the recreational swimmer, through to the elite athletes that will represent the green and gold on the world stage.

“Sport is a defining quality in this country and the next few months will see sporting heroes made and our nation embark on a journey of dream building from the younger generations looking on at home.”

“Communication is key in all of this and our new partnership with Optus will help to strengthen bonds across the organisations and the ages.”

Image: Australian swimmers prepare for Rio.

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