The 11-time Paralympic gold medal winning wheelchair racer has been an ongoing supporter of Join In, which puts volunteers into community sport, and said was honoured to be asked to take up the role.

"Volunteers are the heartbeat of sport, without them, sport as we know it would not exist and I believe that they should be praised, encouraged and thanked," said Grey-Thompson, who is well known for her Parliamentary work and interest and influence in sport.

"Join In is the only charity that celebrates and supports volunteers and their contribution to grass roots sport.

"I look forward to working with the Join In team as we continue to inspire people to help out within sporting communities."

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson (right) said she is looking forward to working with the Join In team ©Join In



As one of the most successful British Paralympic athletes of all time, Grey-Thompson was made a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2005 for her services to sport, before being appointed a Life Peer in the House of Lords in 2010.

Lord Charles Allen of Kensington, chairman of Join In, added: "We are delighted to have Tanni join us on the Board.

"Tanni is known for her enthusiasm and commitment both on and off the track and I look forward to her contribution to Join In.

"We have an exciting few years ahead of us and I know her dedication to sport will add to an experienced Board as we approach the [2015] Rugby World Cup, Rio 2016 and beyond."

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