Google and Age Action have once again teamed up to search for Ireland’s top ‘silver surfers’ and highlight the difference technology can make in the lives of people over 50. The awards were launched this morning at Google EMEA Headquarters by the Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte.
Speaking at the launch Minister Rabbitte said: "The Internet is an essential resource that allows people to learn, shop, keep in touch and have fun. The Government is committed to building a digitally inclusive society and the Google Silver Surfer Awards with Age Action are a great way to highlight that it is never too late to learn something new."
Sinead Gibney, head of social action at Google, said: "Google Ireland has been helping older people use the Internet for several years through our Age Engage programme and more recently through Getyourfolksonline.ie and we have found the biggest obstacle preventing older people getting online is fear. We hope by highlighting and honouring some of Ireland’s best examples of silver surfers they will act as an inspiration to other older people who are nervous about taking the first step and getting online."
Robin Webster, CEO of Age Action, added: "Age Action has helped train over 12,000 older people to use computers over the last six years. We know that many of these learners were inspired to take a class by the positive experience of other older people who use technology. If you know an older person who uses computers to improve the quality of their lives please consider nominating them for a Google Silver Surfer award. By highlighting their positive experience you may help other older people to take the plunge, take a class and open their eyes to a whole new whole of opportunities."
The public can nominate someone for an award by filling in a form online at www.ageaction.ie/silversurfer. The closing date for Nominations is 14 September 2012. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on the 2 October at Google headquarters in Dublin.
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