Meet a Member (or two) - Jo Jackson & John Sligo

With Cherryl Thompson's departure, she has passed the baton and trained up Jo Jackson and John Sligo to fill her role as Sport Development Officer.

Jo will look after the Central and Eastern BOP.  Growing our Youth and Adult memberships and also developing bowls and wheelchair basketball in 2020.

John’s area is Western BOP. Continuing our to grow our current sports of basketball, rugby, powerchair football and boccia. While also developing our Youth Team.

We wanted to get to know Jo and John a bit better so we asked them a few questions.... Here’s what they had to say.

Jo Jackson, Sport Development Officer EBOP

Jo you're from the UK, what made you move to NZ?
I wanted a new start and New Zealand is a great country for my son to grow up in.

What do you want to bring to Parafed Bay of Plenty, what’s your goals for the next 12 months in your new role?
I want to get more sport in Rotorua for physically impaired people, and develop similar in the Eastern bay.

Who inspires you?
The kids I'm lucky enough to work with. Their energy, resilience and determination inspire me every day.

What was the best concert you ever attended?
Erm.....I've only been to one and that was Westlife lol

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I'm here!

If you could be any animal, which would you be?
I think I'd be a cat as I love how independent they are!

What are you passionate about?
Sport, helping people and I love horses.

What's your favourite movie?
The Longest Ride

What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
Emigrating to the other side of the world on my own with a then 4 year old, but it was the best thing I've ever done!

John Sligo, Sport Development Officer, BOP

John, how does it feel to have completed your Bachelor of Sports & Recreation?
Relieved to have completed it and excited to put the learnings into practice in the sport and Recreation industry.

What do you want to bring to Parafed Bay of Plenty, what’s your goals for the next 12 months in your new role?
Transparent and clear communications with all stakeholders, support current sports programmes to be self-sufficient and allow growth, facilitate a diverse array of sport and recreation opportunities for people living with physical impairment, develop a robust youth programme here in Tauranga.

 Who inspires you?
Anyone who puts 100% effort into achieving their goals.

What was the best concert you ever attended?
The Nextmen and P Digsss at the Basin Reserve circa '08

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would return to Brasil - Beautiful beaches, people, food, art and culture - good vibes!!

If you could be any animal, which would you be?
Shark or Falcon (no walking!)

What are you passionate about?
Sport, music, ocean, family, travel, trying new things, learning.

What's your favourite movie?
Pulp Fiction

What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
Travelled solo to Brasil with a backpack, crutches and wheelchair
Rally car co-driver
Skydive

Thanks so much to Jo and John for sharing a bit about yourselfs!       

John can be contacted on: john@parafedbop.co.nz

Jo can be contacted on: jo@parafedbop.co.nz