This Made Me Laugh: . . . Or Have A Big Proud Grin!

Last Saturday, while most of the nation was watching and rooting for a bunch six and a half to seven feet tall future millionaires battle be the "March Madness" champs, Jo and I opted to travel down to Chicago to cheer on a bunch of two to four foot tall "athletes" vying for the First Robotic Competition Midwest Championship. The reason? Grandson Harrison, who resides down in Arkansas is a member of one of the competing teams. The other Grandkids are regularly featured in this and my other blog (especially the four youngest ones). But Harrison, a high school sophomore, hasn't had a blog mention since our Arkansas visit in 2008. So, when we heard that he and his robotic team were going to be in Chicago, it seemed like an opportunity to not only visit with Harrison but to get a little education in robotic science. The competition is run by an organization called FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills as well as providing scholarship opportunities to participating students. Boys and girls in FIRST programs range from the age of six to high school seniors. First is supported by corporate sponsors including names Like Baxter, Motorola and Boeing to mention a few. So much for the history lesson.
Upon entering the UIC (University of Illinois - Chicago) pavilion, we were greeted by a roar of cheers not unlike those you hear at a school sporting event. And, for all intensive purposes, we were experiencing a high school sporting event. Only, this event featured remote controlled robots who were programed and driven to shoot baskets, retrieve and reload balls, as well as play a little offensive/defense against the opposing team. It was really exciting and I could go on and on about the matches but this is supposed to be a humor corner not a science class.
The bottom line is that we got to spend a nice visit with Harrison, had our eyes opened to a whole new high school "sport" where the kids didn't have to be jocks, and witness Harrison's team, The Bomb Squad go undefeated (11-0) for the three day competition in a field of 51 teams and emerge as the 2012 Midwest Regional champs.