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, which was attended by Olympic Gold medallist Tessa Sanderson CBE. 
 
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/it or call 0800 00 99 66. Alternatively, check with your nearest UK Online Centre or local library about IT training in your area.