Sport Bay of Plenty saw in the New Year by appointing two new trustees to assist in inspiring Bay of Plenty communities to be the most active in New Zealand.

Rotorua based commercial lawyer Mark Copeland and Tauranga based Jo Tisch join the current six members after the terms of Gill Gemming and Craig Corbett came to an end last year.

Mark Copeland and Jo Tisch have been appointed as new trustees to the Sport Bay of Plenty Board.

Sport Bay of Plenty chief executive Wayne Werder says the board is very pleased to welcome Jo and Mark who both have a strong understanding of the sport and recreation sector, through participation and governance.

Mark, has an extensive sporting competition and governance background and a special interest in disability sports through his role as chairman and president of Paralympics New Zealand, and says he is looking forward to ensuring all kiwis remain as physically active as possible.

'Sport Bay of Plenty provides a wide range of opportunities and incentives for those in this region to participate in sports-related activities for their physical and emotional benefit, and I am a great advocate of this.”

Jo, who is actively involved in a variety of sports including representing New Zealand in the Long Distance Triathlon World Championship Age Group team, says she is motivated to use her governance experience and experience skills as a lawyer to contribute to the Sport Bay of Plenty Board.

'I have seen a positive difference that having a healthy lifestyle has had on my own family, friends and community and I'm looking forward to working with Sport Bay of Plenty to encourage everyone to be more active more often.”

To view all board members profiles, visit www.sportbop.co.nz/board