Google and Age Action have once again joined forces to find Ireland’s top silver surfers. The Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte today launched the Google Silver Surfer Awards with Age Action at Google’s EMEA Headquarters in Dublin.
The Awards recognises the progress made by senior citizens in adopting technology and bridging the so-called ‘digital divide’. Earlier this year Minister Rabbitte announced plans to make €1.4 million available for digital literacy initiative such as BenefIT, which seeks to get over 288,000 people online by 2016.
Speaking at the launch Minister Rabbitte said: "The Government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital world. The National Digital Strategy launched a couple of weeks ago focuses on closing the digital divide. One of its key goals is to help older people to engage with digital technology."
Sinead Gibney, social action manager, Google, said: "Since Google began its partnership with Age Action, the Silver Surfer Awards have gone from strength to strength. Last year we had more nominations than ever before and we hope to continue this trend in 2013. The Silver Surfer awards are a great way to show an older relative or friend your appreciation and we urge everyone who knows a great example of a silver surfer to nominate them."
Robin Webster, CEO, Age Action, said: "As a charity which works to improve the quality of older people’s lives we passionately believe that new technology has a key role to play. From helping people to stay in contact with the local community, family and friends, to shopping and accessing information about rights and entitlements, computers and the internet can transform older people’s lives. We are delighted to team up with Google again this year to recognise the achievements of our Silver Surfers."
Closing date for nominations is 15 September with the winners announced on 2 October at Google headquarters in Dublin.
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