Arena Signs Historic Partnership Agreement with RBSF, FFBN, and Zwemfed
The Royal Belgian Swimming Federation (RBSF) has reached a new milestone by signing a partnership agreement with arena, a global leader in aquatic sportswear and accessories. This collaboration, which also includes the Vlaamse Zwemfederatie (Zwemfed) and the Fédération Francophone Belge de Natation (FFBN), will commence on January 1, 2025, and continue at least until the end of 2028. The highlight of this partnership will undoubtedly be the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, where arena will serve as the official partner of Belgian aquatic athletes.
This partnership marks a historic first, as it is the first time arena has been involved as an official sponsor of the Belgian swimming federation and its constituent organizations.
For All Aquatic Disciplines
The partnership was announced with great enthusiasm and will further strengthen Belgian aquatic sports on both a national and international level. The agreement encompasses all aquatic disciplines within the RBSF, including swimming, water polo, artistic swimming, open water swimming, and diving.
A Well-Considered Choice
According to Kim Van Malderen, General Director of the RBSF, the choice for arena was the result of a thorough selection process.
"The RBSF is taking a new direction in terms of sponsorship for sportswear across all aquatic disciplines within our organization. After an extensive evaluation, we chose arena, and we are immensely proud of this decision. Arena aligns perfectly with our values and ambitions. We look forward to building a future together where we continue to strengthen both our sport and our community."
Arena has built a strong global reputation as an innovator in aquatic sports. Known for its high-quality and stylish products, developed using cutting-edge technologies and in close collaboration with top athletes, arena is expected to enhance not only the performance of RBSF athletes but also the visibility and appeal of aquatic sports.
Positive Impact
The partnership with arena is also seen as a significant step forward by the Vlaamse Zwemfederatie. Pieterjan Vangerven, Director of Zwemfed, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration for Flemish aquatic sports:
"Arena is renowned worldwide for its quality, innovation, and commitment to aquatic sports. Their products, from swimwear to accessories, meet the highest standards and cater to the needs of both elite athletes and recreational swimmers. Moreover, we share values such as inclusivity, integrity, and passion for the sport. This partnership demonstrates great trust in our work, and we look forward to working with arena to elevate Belgian aquatic sports to new heights."
An additional benefit of the partnership with arena is the support for the webshop, which will make it easier for both clubs and individual members to access high-quality swimwear and accessories. This aligns with Zwemfed's ambition to further enhance its services to members and make the sport more accessible.
The partnership with arena has also been warmly received by the Fédération Francophone Belge de Natation (FFBN). Bernard Parez, President of the FFBN and Co-Chair of the RBSF, explains:
"Arena offers us a unique opportunity to further develop aquatic sports in Belgium. Their products are of top quality, and their willingness to collaborate with federations and clubs makes them an ideal partner. We are delighted to have arena on board for the upcoming Olympic cycle and look forward to the positive impact this will have on our community."
A Sustainable Partnership with Promising Prospects
Arena's involvement goes beyond merely providing sportswear. The company aims to support societal projects and focus on sustainability in collaboration with the RBSF and its federations. Arena shares the same values as the RBSF, including fair play, development, innovation, and collaboration.
Robin Wijgers, Sales and Sports Marketing Manager, highlights the importance of this partnership:
"This partnership has been a long-cherished goal for arena. The Belgian federations join a large network of international swimming organizations already working with arena. We are thrilled to have completed the final pieces of the puzzle within the Benelux. We will do our utmost to support the federations in achieving their goals in both elite and grassroots sports."
Gratitude to Speedo for Decades of Collaboration
Finally, the RBSF wishes to express its appreciation for its previous partner, Speedo, which has been a loyal collaborator for decades. Thanks to their support, Belgian aquatic sports flourished, and numerous athletes rose to prominence. The partnership with Speedo laid a solid foundation for future growth. The RBSF thanks Speedo for its years of collaboration and wishes them continued success in the future.
A New Future with Arena
With arena as its new official partner, the RBSF is taking a significant step toward a future where aquatic sports will continue to professionalize and grow. This partnership offers not only opportunities for Belgian athletes to excel at the highest level but also strengthens the bond between federations, clubs, and aquatic sports enthusiasts. Together with arena, the RBSF looks forward to a fruitful collaboration centered on innovation, quality, and passion for the sport.
Arena, welcome to the BELSWIM community!