MEDIA RELEASE
Sunshine Coast Sports Welcomes New Chair and Board Members to Strengthen Community Sports Initiatives
Sunshine Coast, Australian - 21 June 2024 – Sunshine Coast Sports, an independent, regional body that champions and supports community grassroots sport on the Sunshine Coast, is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Chair, Michelle Jaggard-Lai, and the addition of two new Board Members, Charlie Hemming and Angela Coombes. This renewed leadership team is poised to enhance the organisation’s mission of championing grassroots sports and celebrating local athletic achievements across the Sunshine Coast and Noosa areas.
New Chair: Michelle Jaggard-Lai
Michelle Jaggard-Lai, a retired professional tennis player with a celebrated career, steps into the role of Chair. Michelle’s extensive experience in professional sports, business, and her passion for community engagement make her an ideal leader for Sunshine Coast Sports. Drawing from her firsthand experience as a Wimbledon and Australian Open Tennis champion and former professional athlete, Michelle's career spans five decades in diverse sports arenas. Her grassroots efforts have developed youth in sports, created coaching pathways, and organised school competitions. Managing teams and owning sports businesses in large community venues, Michelle has significantly engaged the wider community.
"I am honoured to be chosen as the new chair of Sunshine Coast Sports Ltd recognising the tremendous achievements and efforts of the former Chair Simone Pearce. The original appointed board has done a tremendous job of rebranding, committing to strength by governance and selecting board members of highly equipped diverse skill sets to now deliver sports initiatives to the community,” states Michelle Jaggard-Lai. “As the new leader of the board we as a collective board aim to act on our commitments to deliver on our promises over the coming months and I'm thankful that I have been entrusted as the new Chair to be alongside a team of great well versed people and fortunate to be guided by the previous board.”
New Board Members
Joining Michelle Jaggard-Lai are two new Board Members, whose diverse expertise will significantly contribute to the organisation’s mission:
Charlie Hemming: Charlie has over 25 years’ experience in senior marketing and product management roles in various Business to Business, Business to Consumer and Community-based Sporting organisations. His collaborative leadership style and strategic focus provides a depth of knowledge and perspective that will help evolve the contribution that Sunshine Coast Sports delivers our local communities. Charlie’s personal commitment to achieving quality outcomes and a passion for delivering value is complemented by a Master of Business in Marketing, Graduate Certificate in Finance and an under-graduate Sports Management degree.
Angela Coombes: A technology leader with a passion for community sports, Angela offers a unique perspective on community sports growth and operational excellence. Her focus on community outreach and inclusive programs will enhance the organisation’s ability to build strong partnerships with local sports clubs and expand its impact for athletes across the Sunshine Coast. Angela has been a volunteer for various sports programs as a player, manager, coach, mentor, committee member and spokesperson for community sports clubs in Australia and Samoa covering Rugby Union, Surf Life Saving, Kitesurfing and Wakeboarding.
The Board would like to thank its outbound Chair Simone Pearce for all her time, dedication and achievements driving Sunshine Coast Sports to become the successful organisation it is today; “We would like to thank Simone for her leadership and drive to make Sunshine Coast Sport Ltd a reality, and we wish Simone and her family every success.”
The Board would also like to thank outgoing Board Member Brenda LaPorte for her extremely powerful contributions to Sunshine Coast Sports over the years, for shaping the organisation into a dynamic and impactful body supporting grassroots sports clubs throughout the Sunshine Coast.
Background and Vision of Sunshine Coast Sports
Founded in 1968, Sunshine Coast Sports has a proud history of over 50 years in fostering and celebrating sports in the region. The volunteer-governed body has played a vital role in supporting grassroots sports and acknowledging the achievements of local athletes, both abled and para. It has been a crucial link between local sports, government, sports bodies, and the media.
The flagship of the organisation, the Sunshine Coast Sports Awards, has annually honoured the exceptional contributions of athletes, clubs, teams, administrators, and volunteers. The return of these prestigious awards in 2022 marked a renewed commitment to recognising the sporting excellence within the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Council regions.
Strategic Objectives and Values
Sunshine Coast Sports aims to be a respected, independent regional body that champions grassroots sports, promoting participation and enabling athletes to achieve their aspirations. The organisation’s values include:
Connected: Building strong ties with grassroots sports participants and stakeholders to support growth and success.
Passionate: Advocating for the critical role of sports in communities and ensuring accessibility for all.
Purposeful: Efficiently executing our charter to maximise benefits for grassroots sports.
Accountable: Upholding transparent governance and delivering our vision for Sunshine Coast Sports.
Community Impact
Sunshine Coast Sports is committed to promoting physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and community well-being through sports. With the new leadership team, the organisation is set to launch several initiatives, including the expansion of youth sports programs, the introduction of adaptive sports for individuals with disabilities, and the establishment of new community sports facilities.
For more information, please contact:
Kerri Tutton
Sunshine Coast Sports
Phone: 0420 313 439
Email: hello@sunshinecoastsports.com.au
About Sunshine Coast Sports
Sunshine Coast Sports is a non-profit entity dedicated to promoting sports and physical activity in the Sunshine Coast region. Our mission is to enhance community health and well-being through inclusive sports programs and facilities. We believe in the power of sports to bring people together, foster teamwork, and build a stronger, healthier community.