World Para Swimming and Swans celebrate extension of their partnership through 2028

World Para Swimming and Swans have announced on Tuesday (2 September) the extension of their successful partnership through 2028.

Since 2017, Swans has been an Official Approved Supplier of World Para Swimming equipment, specifically providing blackened goggles for vision impaired athletes competing in classes S/SB/SM11.

This year’s Toyota World Para Swimming Championships – Singapore 2025 will mark the fifth edition of World Para Swimming’s premier event since the partnership with Swans began.

Blackened goggles are mandatory for vision impaired athletes in classes S/SB/SM11, as they prevent light from passing through the lenses, ensuring fair competition. Beyond that, Swans makes sure that athletes can compete comfortably and feel cool wearing their gear.

To know more about blackened goggles and why some athletes need to wear them click here.

Craig Nicholson, Head of World Para Swimming, said: 

“The development of our sport would not be possible without partners commitment to Para swimming, such as Swans. Swans has a long history in producing high-performance swimming goggles and designs exclusive products for vision impaired swimmers. We are thrilled to announce the renewal of our partnership ahead of this year’s World Championships in Singapore.”

On the announcement of the extension of their partnership with World Para Swimming, Swans said:

“As a manufacturing company, we are proud that our “Black Goggles,” swim goggles for the visually impaired, have been recognized by the World Para Swimming Federation and athletes, leading to the renewal of our official supplier contract. Yamamoto Kogaku will continue to develop products that support athletes in terms of eye safety, in order to contribute to the development of sports through the SWANS brand.”

About Swans

A leading brand in brand in the production of sports goggles, Swans traces its history back to 1911, when it was founded by Yamamoto Kogaku in Osaka, Japan, as “Yamamoto Eyeglass Lens Manufacturing” – a lens processing industry.

The company began manufacturing and selling goggles in 1945. At first, they were used to help people catch fish in rivers and the sea and were named “Swan brand swimming goggles”. 

In 1969, the Swan logo evolved into the sports eyewear brand, Swans. Five years later, the company started the manufacture of SW-1 swimming goggles, marking the beginning of its relationship with professional swimmers. 

More information about Swans history and its products can be found on https://swans.co.jp/en/.

About blackened goggles

Among Para swimming-specific equipment, one item that often sparks curiosity is the use of blackened goggles. But why do some athletes wear goggles that completely block out light?

Swimmers in classes S/SB/SM11 have a very low visual acuity and/or no light perception. To ensure fair competition and equal conditions to all athletes in these classes, they are required to wear opaque (blackened) goggles – unless they have prosthetic eyes in both eye sockets.

Athletes in those classes are also required to have tappers, the support staff who use a tapping device to assist the swimmer when they approach the end of the pool.

After each race, blackened googles are checked to ensure compliance. For athletes whose facial structure does not support goggles, an opaque eye covering must be used instead. 

Since 2017, Swans has been an Official Approved Supplier of World Para Swimming equipment. The Japanese eyewear company is a leading brand in the production of blackened models used by vision impaired swimmers.