Sylvia Guckian & Sylvia Kelch

For the past 50 years, Grangewoodbine Residents Association has been running very successfully as an active community association. Naturally over that time the age profile of the residents has changed, and in 2014 a survey carried out resulted in the establishment of a Seniors Group to encourage activities more relevant to older adults. This is where Sylvia Kelch and Sylvia Guckian's #BeActive Local Hero story begins.

The two Sylvias set about to inspire the older members to #BeActive while also providing a social activity for people to interact and make friends. The two women did some research and decided to volunteer and attend Age & Opportunity’s Active Programme PALs workshops, an initiative funded by Sport Ireland. The idea is that the participants become Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) and lead their peers in activities. The two Sylvia’s completed the training and in September 2015 they started their very own PALs session in Grangewoodbine Residents Association.

Having started off with two 1 hour sessions with 25 individuals in each class, the buzz created immediately led to a waiting list of individuals eager to sign up. Over time the two Sylvias encouraged others to become PALs and the growth of the activity sessions has been phenomenal. Before the current pandemic began the two Sylvias were running 3 sessions every Monday, with 120 women and men participating enthusiastically. 

The Age & Opportunity Active sessions have a huge impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of the community and it has been vital for those during the recent restrictions to still have that outlet of encouragement. The two women have become great friends with their members and continue to support each other in good times and not so good times.

The two Sylvias have some experience of being in the limelight already, as they appeared on Operation Transformation in 2017 for their work on physical activity for older adults.

Sport Ireland are delighted to recognise Sylvia Kelch and Sylvia Guckian's efforts, they are a deserving double nominee for the #BeActive Local Hero Award 2020.