We are world champions again! This time, a group of Capetonians, representing South Africa, came out tops at the biggest Robotics and Coding Competition in the world, which was held recently in America.
World Champions Again!
The group is also the first-ever SA team to win this competition. 233 teams from 58 countries across the world took part in the competition, which was held in Texas.
“We are also coming home with a message of hope for our country, that it doesn’t take huge amounts of money and resources to be a world champion,” says the coach Michelle Buckle.”
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According to the father of one of the learners, Fatum Adams, Team SA is coming home with 3 trophies.
Buckle added, “It doesn’t require you to have access to technical coaches to learn world-class skills because of the incredible resources available online to teach yourself and online communities that are eager to help.”
All of the learners in the group are home-schooled with one boy attending school at Claremont High School.
Three trophies are coming home
Adams says 1 of the trophies is the Control Award. This is given to the team that demonstrates innovative thinking to solve game challenges such as autonomous operation, improving mechanical systems with intelligent control, or using sensors to achieve better results.
“We want to inspire the youth of this country to set ambitious goals and to learn what they need to achieve them because that is what this team has done,” Buckle elaborated.
WATCH: Youtube
The local group also played against the team, Ro2D2, whose robot and game are inspiring, before beating them.
“Behind the Bot”
When the SA team went back to their pit area, the filming crew of “Behind the Bot” were there, waiting to do an interview and also to review their robot.
she said, “We want to inspire adults to encourage kids to set ambitious goals and to believe in their dreams and to guide them to access the vast resources that are available globally!”
One of the most revered programmers in the FTC community also complimented their software.
Many dreams came true
The Wonder League Robotics Competition (WLRC) was started in 2015. It has reached over 90 000 kids over the past 8 years.
ADDITIONAL READING: More About Team SA
The program is aimed at inspiring an early love of coding, computer science, tangible learning and STEAM education.
“And for adults, you don’t have to be technical geniuses to empower kids to learn tech and STEM skills! We all have what it takes!” Buckle concluded.
They took part in the Wonder Workshop Year 9 Competition. The arena was transformed into a wonderland of exploration and adventure and it was aptly named “Wonder League Park”.
MORE ABOUT: Floreat Primary learners get a head-start in Coding and Robotics
The proud father says many dreams came true at the competition.
