Local businesses support FIRST Robotics event at Georgian
Feb. 10, 2017
A team in action at a 2016 FIRST Robotics event
On March 25 and 26, Georgian College is hosting Barrie’s largest ever robotics competition. Several local businesses are rallying to support the event.
Nissan is the presenting sponsor. Honda is the Georgian Team Pit and Machine Shop Sponsor. Prodomax is the food lounge and meal sponsor. InvestBarrie is an event partner. Advanced Motion and Controls Ltd is an event supporter.
The FIRST Robotics competition will pit 35 robots, built and programmed by teams of Ontario high school students, against one another. The teenaged teams are currently hard at work developing custom, 120-pound machines to achieve specific tasks like collecting fuel, installing gears, and climbing structures.
“It’s always great to see the community rallying behind young people,” says Stephanie Knight, Manager of Resource Development at Georgian College. “We’re particularly excited about this event because it allows high school students to develop skills in innovation, technology and teamwork – all values held by our local event sponsors.”
Sponsors aren’t just supporting the event financially, many are also providing volunteers – notably competition judges. Teams will receive awards for everything from great engineering to professionalism in the robot pit.
Approximately 100 volunteers are needed from March 24 to 26 to ensure the competition runs smoothly – March 24 is set-up day. Anyone interested in volunteering can visit firstroboticscanada.org.
More than 1,000 people – students, competitors, coaches, industry leaders, and supporters – will be at the Barrie Campus to participate in and watch the robots and young inventors in action.