22 Teams Compete in First Tech Qualifying Rounds: Delview Robotics Raiders Showcase Creativity and Innovation
On a crisp winter day, January 20, 2024, Delview Secondary School buzzed with excitement as it hosted the First Tech robotics competition qualifying rounds. The event brought together 22 teams from various Greater Vancouver schools and groups, showcasing the creativity and innovation of young robot builders.
Delview Robotics Raiders: A Local Showcase
Delview Secondary School, the sole robotics team from Delta, made its debut as the host of this year’s event. The Delview Robotics Raiders team, a passionate group of students, dedicated months of hard work to prepare their robot for the competition. Led by coaches Petra Hammoser and Rachel Chang, the team comprised David Golland, Gurnoor Mann, David Grant, Saaigh Taimur, Hurmun Bharaj, Manveer Khaira, and Björn Hammoser.
Team member David Golland expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to express his creativity in a unique way. “Robotics allows us to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to real-world problems,” he said. The team emphasized the value of collaboration and friendship, highlighting the positive social aspects of the robotics program.
Competition Results and Awards
The qualifying rounds featured intense and exciting matches, with the Robotics Raiders securing a respectable ranking of 20 out of 22 teams. Despite not securing a spot among the top 10 teams advancing to the BC FTC Championship, the team’s performance caught the attention of other teams, leading to their selection for an alliance game.
The Robotics Raiders also received two prestigious awards: Third place for the Think Award, recognizing their innovative approach to problem-solving, and second place for the Control Award, acknowledging their exceptional robot control skills.
Expanding Opportunities in British Columbia
The First Tech Challenge has witnessed tremendous growth in British Columbia since its inception in 2016. Organizer Christine Nicholls, deeply involved with the program since 2006, shared her motivation for getting involved, emphasizing the incredible opportunities it provides for young people to engage with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities.
The program’s focus extends beyond technical skills, encompassing teamwork, presentation skills, and website development, providing a well-rounded educational experience for participants. Despite its strong emphasis on science and technology, the First Tech Challenge incorporates an annual sports-related challenge, adding an element of excitement and competition.
Delview’s Commitment to the Program
Delview Secondary’s participation in the challenge for the second consecutive year demonstrates the school’s commitment to the program and its belief in the transformative power of robotics education. The involvement of students in the First Tech Challenge provides a gateway for future involvement in science and technology fields, fostering a passion for innovation and problem-solving.
Conclusion
The First Tech qualifying rounds held at Delview Secondary School showcased the remarkable talents of young robot builders from across Greater Vancouver. The Robotics Raiders, representing Delview Secondary, displayed their creativity, teamwork, and technical prowess, earning recognition for their efforts. The event highlighted the growing popularity of robotics education in British Columbia, providing students with valuable opportunities to explore STEM fields and develop essential skills for the future.
As the robotics program continues to expand, Delview Secondary School remains committed to providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed in this exciting and ever-evolving field.