FIRST® Reveals 2016 FIRST® Robotics Competition Game Name: FIRST STRONGHOLD℠
Video Teaser Offers Game Hints; Urges Students to Join Competition by
Starting FIRST® Robotics Competition Team
MANCHESTER, N.H.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FIRST®
(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an
international, K-12 not-for-profit organization founded to inspire young
people’s interest and participation in science and technology, revealed
the name of the 2016 FIRST® Robotics Competition game, FIRST
STRONGHOLD℠, with the release of a video
teaser.
Dubbed a varsity Sport for the Mind™, FIRST
Robotics Competition combines the excitement of sport with the
rigors of science and technology. It’s the only school sport where all
members are guaranteed to turn pro if they choose. Teams of 10 or more
high-school students (age 14-18/grades 9-12) are challenged to build and
program a robot to perform prescribed tasks against a field of
competitors, raise funds, design a team “brand,” and hone teamwork
skills.
“The FIRST Robotics Competition offers an experience as close to
real-world business development and engineering management as a student
can get. It’s much more than robots. The program instills 21st
century life skills such as problem solving, time management, conflict
resolution, and communication that today’s young people need when
entering the workforce,” said FIRST President, Donald E. Bossi. “FIRST
STRONGHOLD will provide a whole new set of thrilling challenges.
We’re excited to see the innovative ways students will tackle the game.”
In 2016, more than 3,000 teams comprised of over 78,000 high school
students from around the world will compete for glory and bragging
rights in FIRST STRONGHOLD. In just six weeks, teams will build,
program and test robots with the guidance of adult Mentors.
Teams will compete with their robots as family and friends cheer from
the stands at over 120 multi-day events worldwide – all leading up to
the 2016 FIRST
Championship at the Edward Jones Dome, April 27-30 in St. Louis. All FIRST
events are free and open to the public.
“We’re very excited about the 2016 season,” said Frank Merrick,
director, FIRST Robotics Competition. “We’ve designed this year’s
game to inspire, challenge, and surprise people both on the field and
off. Whether you’re new to FIRST, a veteran team, or a spectator,
you will want to see FIRST STRONGHOLD.”
Details of the game will be unveiled at the FIRST Robotics
Competition Kickoff on January 9, 2016. For more information about the
Kickoff event, check back here.
So build your champion. Rally your kingdom. And prepare for FIRST
STRONGHOLD by joining FIRST Robotics Competition: http://www.usfirst.org/frc2016.
About FIRST®
Accomplished inventor Dean
Kamen founded FIRST®
(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989
to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people.
Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative
programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while
motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology,
and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies
and more than $22 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit
organization hosts the FIRST®
Robotics Competition for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST®
Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; FIRST®
LEGO® League for Grades 4-8; and Junior
FIRST® LEGO® League for Grades
K-3. Gracious
Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages
high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects
individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.
Contacts
FIRST®
Brooke Blew, 603-206-2048
bblew@usfirst.org
or
Haley
Dunn, 603-206-2494
hdunn@usfirst.org
