Professor Eric Thomas becomes the first Patron of Wesport
On the Tuesday 4th October, Professor Eric Thomas officially handed over the chairmanship of the West of England Sport Trust (Wesport) to Elizabeth Bloor. Wesport is a registered charity and fulfils the role of County Sports Partnership for the West of England.
Professor Thomas, longstanding Vice Chancellor of the University of Bristol, and new President of Universities UK, will become the first official Patron of Wesport.
Professor Thomas became the Chair of Trustees when Wesport was created in 2006 and founding member of the board of trustees. During his time, he helped Wesport to register as a charitable organisation, play a key role in hosting the 2008 UK School Games, overseeing a growth in the organisation’s funding and guiding the role of the board in influencing Wesport’s strategy.
Elizabeth Bloor, Wesport’s new Chair said,
“We would like to thank Eric for all the years of hard work and dedication in his role as Chairman of Trustees here at Wesport. Eric has helped create a very strong foundation for Wesport to continue to grow and prosper.”
Steve Nelson Wesport CEO said,
“Eric has been an excellent Chairman of Wesport and mentor for me over the last 5 years. He has helped shape Wesport into one of the most respected County Sport Partnerships in the country. I look forward to our continued work with Eric in his new role as Patron of Wesport”.
Professor Thomas now becomes Wesport’s first Patron. In his new role, he will continue to advocate for and support the objectives of Wesport, helping to raise the profile of the organisation.
On ending his role as Chairman, and beginning his new role as Patron, Professor Thomas said,
“It has been an absolute pleasure to chair such an important and inspirational organisation. The role of sport in raising aspiration and promoting physical and mental wellbeing is of fundamental importance to society and I am keen to continue to be a strong advocate for the organisation's activities as patron”.
Wesport will continue to work towards its mission of Inspiring People, Empowering Organisations and Creating Opportunities through sport and physical activity, with a new Chair of Trustees, a new Patron and exciting plans for the future.
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