FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre hosts FIRST Robotics Competition in 2018
Toronto, ON, (September 7, 2017) – FIRST Robotics Canada is proud to partner with GSL Group to present the B.C. Regional FIRST Robotics Competition in 2018. From March 14th until 16th, 2018, GSL Group will host approximately thirty robotics teams—along with their robots, built and programmed by high school students—at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre for the first competition of its kind in B.C. Aimed at providing learning and development opportunities for kids in technology, this competition will showcase the robots in an epic battle that combines sport, science, and teamwork.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a non-profit organization encouraging kids in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Under strict time limitations, students design and build 120-pound robots that compete on a playing field to complete tasks. Students program and test their machines using skills in engineering, coding, and design. Teams also develop business and marketing plans, as well as outreach initiatives to fundraise and engage their local community.
GSL Group’s President and CEO, Graham Lee has been a dedicated supporter and enthusiast of FIRST and has been a catalyst to launching the competition in B.C. As CEO of a multi-divisional company with a strategic focus on innovation, technology and community, sponsorship of this event was a natural fit for GSL Group.
“From the moment I met Dean Kamen, the founder of FIRST Robotics, 3 years ago on an XPRIZE trip in Los Angeles and then attended the FIRST Robotics World Championships in St. Louis, I was convinced this was something I needed to bring to B.C. GSL Group is excited to host the inaugural competition at the company’s Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre this spring,” says Graham Lee, President and CEO of GSL Group. “Helping to develop robotics and artificial intelligence in our province is a personal goal of mine and this competition will open up opportunities for young innovators to be involved first hand, and possibly initiate future careers in this industry that will have a major impact on our future.”
“We are thrilled to be working closely with Graham Lee and GSL Group team to make this competition happen,” says Mark Breadner, President of FIRST Robotics Canada. “This competition will provide high school students the opportunity to showcase their talents in STEM.”
For more information about FIRST Robotics Canada, visit firstroboticscanada.org.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an international non-profit organization designed to inspire students to pursue further studies and careers in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics. Students develop skills in problem solving, innovation, leadership and teamwork as well as design, manufacturing, programming and testing. FIRST’s programs reach 300,000 students in 70 countries. FIRST Robotics Canada, a Canadian non-profit started in 2002, now reaches 20,000 Canadian students. FIRST is grateful to Microsoft for their support of the B.C. Regional.
For more information on GSL Group, visit www.gslholdings.com.
GSL Group is headquartered in Vancouver, B.C. with offices and operations in Kelowna and Victoria. The company’s divisions span a wide range of industries including real estate development, holdings and construction, sports, entertainment, recreational facilities, travel and hospitality, health and fitness, agriculture and e-commerce.
Media Contacts
Ian Koscielski
FIRST Robotics Canada
ian.koscielski@firstroboticscanada.org
778-879-2875
Ethan Hugh
GSL Group
ethan@gslholdings.com
604-688-8999 x 120