Nicki Scott Recreation Advisor Sport Bay of Plenty

With the conclusion of Water Month in November, Play in the Bay has now completed its pilot year.

November was Water Month.

The initiative organised by Sport Bay of Plenty has been a great success in its first year and has succeeded in its goal to get more people in the Bay of Plenty more active.

Play in the Bay is a fantastic collaboration across the recreational sector with far reaching benefits for our communities.

There was a large array of activities on offer during Water Month including surfing, waka ama, kayaking, stand up paddling, sailing and swimming carnivals. With the weather getting warmer it was great to see people out and about getting a taster of the wonderful on water action Tauranga has to offer.

The Play in the Bay idea came from the success of the previous Live to Play month in October and Bike Wise month in February.

From these themed months the idea expanded to include a full year approach to promote specific local events/activities. The monthly calendars full of active recreation and sport options are a great way to find out what fun activities and events are happening in the local community, with also providing opportunities to have a go for beginners.

The aim of each month is to provide quality activities that will appeal to a range of ages, abilities and fitness levels and suit everyone, from working individuals to families.

Feedback from the community for Play in the Bays debut year has been very positive.

Clubs and organisations have enjoyed getting extra promotion and exposure for their events and activities. There are so main great people doing great things and Play in the Bay provides an opportunity to include all of these so people can find them in one place.

Play in the Bay will be back in 2013 kicking off with Bike Month in February followed by, Walk Month in March, Adventure Month in April and Indoors Month in May.

If your sports/active recreation club or organisation would like to promote your activity or event through Play in the Bay contact Nicki, Recreation Advisor at Sport Bay of Plenty for more information on 07 578 0016 ext 829 nickis@sportbop.co.nz