Digital champions, a project getting kids physically active and having fun online has been a big hit in Hunslet.
A series of sporting and digital activities have taken place to encourage children to live healthy lives and improve their internet skills.
Over 40 children got in involved in Digital Champions which was run by Leeds Federated Housing Association in partnership with the Livewell Project and the coaching team from Leeds Let’s Get Active.
A kids and parents tug of war, a football tournament and a weightlifting contest took place at Jack Lane and Arthington Avenue Park in Hunslet. HUGO, Leeds Federated’s digital bus equipped with free wifi and laptop computers was on hand to help youngsters and their parents get online.
A special ‘winners and champions’ event was held at Hunslet Warriors Rugby Club to celebrate the achievements of the children who took part. Each child received a special certificate and medal and there were special prizes awarded to some for outstanding achievements during the project. The event was supported by Leeds Fed’s responsive repairs contractor Keepmoat.
Of the estimated 8.4 million people in the UK who are not online, research shows around half live in social housing. Digital Champions and other digital inclusion initiatives run by Leeds Federated’s HUGO project aim to help give local people internet access and help them build vital online skills.
Leeds Federated’s Neighbourhoods Initiatives Manager, Cath Nelson, said:
“Digital Champions gave us a great opportunity to connect with our younger residents and their families. It encouraged them to live healthy lives and boosted their confidence by offering fun physical activities and the chance to improve their online skills.
“We were also able to help many of their parents get online and signpost them to further training opportunities and support that we can offer them.
“We hope that the project inspired many to become ‘digital champions’ in their own communities and in their daily lives.”
