This year there was a VEX Robotics competition right around the corner from the Ontario office of Studica Limited.  Rick Hansen Secondary School hosted the Mississauga VEX Robotics Championship on 25 February and with the help of teacher John Hobbins and his excellent group of volunteers the event was an outstanding success.  This event was Sponsored and supported by the efforts of Derek Murphy and Studica Limited.

Thanks should also go to the VEX representatives at the event.  Karthik and his team ran a competitive, fun-filled, and challenging competition for the students.  Thirty Six teams squared off against each other in the VEX Gateway Game with the ultimate goal of qualifying for this year’s VEX High School World Championship in Anaheim California.

This Qualifying Competition drew veteran robotics teams like THEORY6 from Rick Hansen Secondary School and the HC Robo Raiders from Holy Cross Catholic High School in Saint Catherines.  New comers to VEX Competitions were also there like the JV Jaguars from our friends at Jean Vanier Catholic High School as well as Chingbotics from Chinguacousy Secondary School in Brampton.  These teams started fresh this year and experienced their first taste of the VEX Robotics Competition.  Lessons were learned rapidly and valuable experience was gained by these teams; experience that will be invaluable in growing their robotics programs next year.

The results of the Competition qualified three teams for the VEX World Championships.  THEORY6 Team 1241Q qualified by winning the Excellence Award.  The Tournament Champions were THEORY6 Teams 1241D, 1241Q, and 1241D.  Team 5225A E-Bots also qualified by winning the Design Award.  Congratulations on your hard work and skilled designs.

If you would like to become involved in VEX Competitions and t o find out about events in your area please visit RobotEvents.com.  If you would like any assistance or information on getting involved with VEX please do not hesitate to contact us at Studicaand we will help you build the success that we have seen at this competition and many more like it.

Author: Matthew Colbeck