Solomon Islands into FIRST Global Robotics Olympics

Team Woodford International School, Solomon Islands with their Mentor Mr Rakesh Pandey, second from right, for the FIRST US Global Robotics Olympics, 2017. Photo supplied.

A four-member team from Woodford International School will for the first time represent Solomon Islands to participate in the Robotics Competition in Washington DC on the 17th-18th July 2017.

The competition is being held only for high school-age level students of age range from 15 to 18 years from more than 165 nations around the globe.

In an interview, Team Mentor Mr Rakesh Pandey said this is huge opportunity for young students in Solomon Islands.

“It’s a very inspiring moment not just for Woodford International School and Solomon Islands but for the Pacific Region,” said Mr Pandey.

“The point of all these is to inspire kids to tell them where science can take you, what are the possibilities of science,” he said.

He said the idea is also to promote the STEM based education in all schools.

“Now STEM is something needs to be focused on. S is Science, T is technology, E is engineering and M is Mathematics. So the whole idea of the event is to celebrate STEM education,” he said.

Youngest team member Travis, the team's little programmer said he is excited to represent Solomon Islands and Woodford International School.

“Seeing that I am only 12 and underage I am grateful for the opportunity that i have been given to make new friends, learn about robots and see how others interpret the problem,” Travis said.

“This competition means the world to me and I am 100% sure that this experience will change my life forever,” he said.

Team captain, Ryan, who is the designer, programmer, operator and spokesperson said being a part of this competition has now opened his mind to reality and his ambitions. “It falls directly in line with what I would like to pursue in the future,” Ryan said.

 “An opportunity of a lifetime would be an understatement.” he said.

Team builder Nathan, who’s nicknamed “Mr Extrusion,” said he is really honored to be part of this competition with his team.

“Travelling to the US will be a great experience. This would be a great opportunity to represent my school Woodford international in the Solomon Islands,” Nathan said.

 “This would be the first time Solomon Islands is being represented in this competition and going to be able to work with other countries around the world and given that I am 14 years old this will be a great experience,” he said.

Another Team member, Marialena who is ever enthusiastic and brings organization to the team said she is happy and satisfied of the progress of their team work.

“I cannot wait for the moment that our robot is ready and presented to other groups as well,” Marialena said.

“I am so excited for having the chance to compete with all these different countries and meet new people,” she said.

The team is hopeful the opportunity will allow  Solomon Islands to be recognized internationally.

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