Community project for over 50s wins big at the London Sport Awards
A London project whose quick response to the Covid-19 pandemic provided a lifeline for those over 50 at risk was honored with a memorable London Sport Award on Monday evening.
Open Age, led by Physical Activity Director Jade Dalton, worked with Gympass to win the Health & Wellbeing Award at the historic Guildhall for inspiring work across the capital.
Open Age has programs for residents aged 50 and over in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, as well as Hammersmith and Fulham.
Her ability to quickly complete successful workouts online gave many an important outlet during troubled times during the pandemic.
Open Age came out on top this week against two other incredible nominations – the Harlequins Foundation and Social Action for Health.
Delighted, Dalton said, “We had never been shortlisted before so it was a great achievement to be shortlisted in the first place, but to win the actual prize is amazing.
“We have been recognized at the county level on a smaller scale, but to be recognized at the London-wide level is amazing.”
Iain Cassidy, CEO of Open Age added, “I think it is extremely important that charities be recognized in the third sector, but especially in the past year and a half, that organizations of the elderly are recognized.
“Older people have many problems and it is great that the services are recognized.”
For the past five years, the annual London Sport Awards, in partnership with the City of London Corporation, has grown to become the city’s biggest grassroots and community celebration of physical activity and sport.
And this year’s flagship event recognized, celebrated and re-lit the stories of incredible individuals, groups and organizations for their outstanding work in the capital helping Londoners of all ages and backgrounds be physically active.
Jas Genesis, GymPass Director of Fitness Partner Success, who sponsored the Health and Wellbeing Award, said, “It was an amazing experience to be here at the Guildhall tonight and to see all of these amazing people.
“It’s so important to think about what people have been doing over the past 18 months.
“To me, it aligns with GymPass’ own mission to see what people have done to make fitness and health universal.
🌟London Sport Awards winners join our #halloffame🌟
The Hall Of Fame puts the previous winners of the #LondonSportAward in the spotlight.
These are the people who helped make London a healthier, happier place 🙌
Our incredible winners ➡https: //t.co/dY18JFivN4 pic.twitter.com/keA6tufoA7
– London Sport (@LondonSport) December 8, 2021
“It is so important to see these great people recognized for this and I am so excited that we can be part of the Open Age journey.
“The award is an honor for OpenAge and the work they have done over the past 18 months. So many people have done great things and the fact that they stand out from the crowd is an amazing achievement – congratulations to them. ”
The London Sport Awards, in partnership with the City of London Corporation, put a spotlight on the unsung community heroes who help Londoners of all backgrounds enjoy the benefits of physical activity and sports. Find out more about the awards and how London Sport aims to make London the most physically active city in the world at www.londonsport.org #MakeYourMark
