British Para-Swimming has signed up to an initiative with Manchester Metropolitan University in a bid to improve opportunities for student-athletes.
The partnership aims to develop and support world-class athletes in Manchester, including MMU Sport scholars Tully Kearney and Chloe Golding – who will represent Team England at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations was signed by British Swimming’s Chairman, Maurice Watkins CBE and MMU’s Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, Richard Greene.
Maurice Watkins said: “I am pleased to have a MoU signed that will continue the strong working relationship that supports para-swimmers both based at the National Performance Centre in Manchester and across the country.
“Formalising the relationship by signing this MoU renews our commitment to working together and finding new and innovative ways of supporting our athletes to achieve their dreams.”
Chris Furber, British Para-Swimming National Performance Director added: “British Para-Swimming remains committed to its vision of being the best performing nation at the Paralympic Games and we wouldn’t be able to deliver that without being able to form brilliant partnerships like we have with Manchester Metropolitan University.”
The two organisations have worked together previously, but hope this formal agreement will enhance opportunities for student athletes and help drive forward the university sport initiative to develop sports education and research.
Manchester Met’s Performance Sport Manager, Jérôme Read said: “This partnership will consolidate and continue the development of our swimming partnerships in Manchester.
“It will not only provide student athlete opportunities to compete but also extends prospects for our wider student and academic population with the potential to include volunteering and research with elite sport.”