News | Thursday, 22nd June 2023

Institute of Sport announced as official partner of Para Swimming World Championships

Partnership will help to amplify the University's research work and heritage in Para swimming

Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport has been announced as the Official University Partner of the Manchester 2023 Allianz Para Swimming World Championships, taking place this summer at the newly refurbished Manchester Aquatics Centre.

Manchester 2023 will be the third time the World Championships have taken place in Great Britain. The last time at London 2019, 637 swimmers from 77 nations were welcomed with 188 records broken, including 39 world records and over 143 million people watching around the world – with the stage set for more of the same this summer.

The University will use the partnership to amplify its research work and heritage in the sport, promote the new Institute of Sport, create networking opportunities with key stakeholders, and engage current and future students and colleagues with the event.

Manchester Metropolitan University has prolifically contributed to research in the areas of the biomechanics of swimming and Para swimming classification. The research has been led by Professor Carl Payton for over 20 years and has also helped enhance coaching methods and the performance of the sport’s elite athletes.

Sporting excellence

Professor Tim Cable, Director of Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, said: “We are excited to be the Official University Partner of the Para Swimming World Championships, which is taking place next to the University’s campus in the heart of Manchester. Our work and research in Para swimming has already helped to enhance coaching methods and the performance of the sports’ elite athletes and we look forward to seeing this impact continue at this year’s Championships.

“As well as highlighting the impact of our research, the partnership will provide a fantastic opportunity for our students and staff to get involved in the Championships, which will see Manchester build on its international reputation for sport and sporting excellence.”

Katie Chapman, Event Director of the World Para Swimming Championships, said: “Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport has an existing and very successful research-based relationship with the sport. Our partnership will build on this and also shine a light on the world-class Institute of Sport which will continue to develop para swimming for many years to come.”

Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport was officially opened in March 2023. It harnesses expertise across the world of sport to push boundaries, improve lives and shape society – from strengthening communities and building a healthier society, to inspiring the next generation and pushing the limits of human performance.

Research and expertise in the Institute of Sport includes studies on innovations in performance enhancement, the effect of periods on performance in women, the role of genetics in sport, concussion, injury prevention and recovery, sport governance, sport nutrition, dementia in football, the science of ageing and mobility, and much more.

Tickets for the Manchester 2023 Allianz Para Swimming World Championships are on sale now.

More information on the Championships in Manchester are available here.