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Follow on Google News | Olympic Gold medallist encourages older people to get online in the Age ConcernOlympic Gold medallist encourages older people to get online in the Age Concern and Help the Aged DigiOlympics
By: Simon Macsis Olympian Tessa Sanderson CBE crowns DigiOlympians Wimbledon Guild in London has won the Age Concern and Help the Aged DigiOlympics 2010‚ sponsored by BT. A team of older people from Wimbledon‚ in South London‚ fought off rivals Age Concern Newham to win the online games competition‚ With the London 2012 Olympics just two years away‚ the two teams of older people got into the spirit of the games early by competing against each other live in a series of online computer games‚ including Mario Kart and Wii Tennis. The event was held to show older people that the benefits of the Internet are wide-ranging and that they too can enjoy them‚ from keeping in touch with friends and family via email‚ to online gaming. Wimbledon Guild came out on top‚ triumphing 2-1 in a tightly fought battle. Tessa Sanderson CBE‚ who won Gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics‚ commented: “I would like to congratulate Wimbledon Guild on winning the DigiOlympics 2010. As this event shows‚ the Internet is a fantastic way to bring people together. Hopefully this is just the start of gold medals coming the way of Londoners.” Russell Humphreys‚ Chief Executive of Wimbledon Guild (Social Welfare) said: “I am delighted that we have won the DigiOlympics and I hope that it inspires other older people to enjoy similar technology and to get online. The DigiOlympics has brought us together at Wimbledon Guild which is one of the great benefits the Internet offers. I am sure it has had the same affect at Age Concern Newham and we all look forward to playing against them again soon.” Michelle Mitchell‚ Charity Director at Age Concern and Help the Aged‚ said: “In the UK 6.4 million people over 65 have never been online1. The DigiOlympics aim to show older people that they too can enjoy the Internet and other technology. Whether you email‚ check the news or play computer games online‚ the Internet can provide something for everyone.” Andrew Campling General Manager London‚ BT Group added: “At BT we are keen to work closely with organisations like Age Concern and Help the Aged‚ to push the social inclusion agenda forward. The DigiOlympics is a fun way to demonstrate the benefits of the internet but also promotes the important issue of Digital Inclusion. I would like to congratulate both Age Concern Newham and Wimbledon Guild for making the DigiOlympics such a great event.” For more information about your nearest project‚ please visit www.ageconcern.org.uk/ Notes to Editors: Age Concern and Help the Aged Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged. We will be known by our new name from Spring 2010. The Age UK family includes Age Scotland‚ Age Cymru and Age NI. Age Concern and Help the Aged partnership with BT Age Concern and Help the Aged have been working with BT since 2005‚ to tackle social exclusion among older people by helping older people get online‚ learn about new technologies and use ICT to improve their quality of life. In partnership we offer training‚ taster sessions and literature to help older people become digitally engaged. Our campaigns champion digital equality for older people and aim to reduce inequalities in access‚ skills and engagement which lead to digital exclusion. BT BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in 170 countries. BT supports social inclusion by helping people make the most of technology. - ENDS - Notes to Editors Age Concern Newham Age Concern Newham is an independent local charity that has been working in Newham for over 40 years. It provides advice and support to older people on a wide range of practical and financial matters and community social care through its Information‚ Wimbledon Guild The Wimbledon Guild’s Day Centre is just one part of the local charity‚ which was set up over 100 years ago to help people in need in the district. Many of the DigiOlympics team members attend the Guild’s low-cost senior IT or exercise classes: other services include a care home with nursing; a very well-respected counselling service; and the distribution of small cash grants and of donated goods to local people in desperate need. For more information‚ Media contact: Andrew Walker Telephone: 0208 765 7512 Out of office hours: 07071 243 243 Email: media@ace.org.uk End
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