FINA and Arena International signed a new partnership agreement for the 9th World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka (JPN) in July 2001.

"The excellent relationship between Arena and FINA over the years has been the platform for signing this new partnership agreement", said FINA President Mustapha Larfaoui. "This new contract is also a good indication of the new approach that FINA is taking for the success of its major events", continued the FINA President.

This agreement not only gives Arena the status of official sponsor of the FINA World Championships but also enables Arena to become an official partner of the World Governing Body of swimming.

"It is a great pleasure for us to become a FINA partner. We have been supporting the sport of swimming for many years, and felt that an official and exclusive relationship with FINA is appropriate for the beginning of the new millennium", said Georges Kiehl, Sponsoring Director of Arena International SA.

Arena, a world leader in the manufacture of top quality swimwear and sportswear, has been involved as an Official Sponsor and Supplier to major swimming events since the 1975 FINA World Swimming Championships.