Robotics: SPARKS Crowned UK National Champions

SPARKS, our First Tech Challenge Robotics team, competed at the UK National Finals at the Copper Box Arena in Stratford.

After two days of competing in robot games, speaking to judges, and sharing their knowledge with other team, they won their division games. They were also award the Inspire Award, which is the top prize in the First Tech Challenge competition. To quote First UK “The team that receives this award is a strong ambassador for FIRST programs and a role model FIRST team. This team is a top contender for many other judged awards and is a gracious competitor. The Inspire Award winner is an inspiration to other teams, acting with Gracious Professionalism® both on and off the playing FIELD. This team shares their experiences, enthusiasm, and knowledge with other teams, sponsors, their community, and the JUDGES. Working as a unit, this team will have shown success in performing the task of designing and building a Robot.”

This award now means that SPARKS are the UK National Champions and will be advancing to the next leg of the competition.

Miss Douglass also won the Compass Award. The Compass Award recognizes an adult coach or mentor who has given outstanding guidance and support to a team throughout the year and demonstrates to the team what it means to be a Gracious Professional. The winner of the Compass Award will be chosen from candidates nominated by FIRST Tech Challenge student team members.