Swimming Australia has become at least the second country to sign a “Project 2020” agreement with the Japanese Swimming Federation ahead of their hosting duties for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.
“As we build towards the 2015 World Championships, the 2016 Olympic Games and beyond, we are establishing partnerships which will assist the Australian Swim Team to prepare in the best way possible,” Chief Executive Officer Mark Anderson said.
“Japan is a leading swimming nation. There is no doubt that they will reinforce this reputation when they host both the 2018 Pan Pacific Championships and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.”
Japan has a similar agreement with Great Britain. These programs, focused on the young generation of talent that might be ready for the 2020 Olympics, but not necessarily the 2016 Games, include competitions, joint training camps, coach exchange programs, and sports science exchanges between the two nations.
JASF President Daichi Suzuki thanked Swimming Australia for inviting his team to Perth and shared in the excitement of the partnership.
“I believe both SAL and JASF are striving to mutually recognise and respect each other’s programs, and the agreement will help to further strengthen our relationships.
“I hope that this partnership will help develop both our country’s programs. I sincerely hope that through this partnership, we can help nurture and develop many medallists for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.”
