First Lego League (FLL) 2010, which was held on 9 Jan, received overwhelming response in recruiting youth volunteers this year.
The event successfully called for 100 over volunteers from the youth bank base of Heartware Network, a non-profit charitable youth organisation which plays an important role in FLL every year. Unlike other private company, Heartware does not make any profit from organising FLL. The charity incurred a $50,000 loss in organizing last year’s FLL competition.
Held at Singapore School of Science and Technology, FLL is an international competition for children aged 9 to 16 years old that was created in partnership between FIRST(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and The LEGO Group.
Lena See, 21-year-old student from National University of Singapore is one of the volunteers. She said, “I was really surprised to see such a significant number of youths participating this year. It is a really good sign that youths are increasingly involving in volunteerism work. The generosity of Heartware also serves as a platform for youths who wants to help others.”
A volunteer assisting student participants in constructing the robot.
The theme for FLL 2010 is ‘Transforming Transportation’. Participating teams are guided by their adult mentors to design robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS bricks, gears, motors and softwares. The robot designed should be able to solve the challenges in transportation that is faced in real life.
FLL 2010 competition is not only for groups specializing in robots, it also gives the opportunity to the underprivileged groups.
Amanda Chan, Intern at Heartware Network was honored to be involved in the entire preparation process of the FLL 2010. She said enthusiastically, “FLL is more special this year because aside to youths who make up their own teams, the participants also include for the first time, a team of children and youths from the needy family. Through the competition, we hope that they can develop an interest in science and technology.”
Gracious professionalism is one of the core values in FLL 2010. Although competition is still important, the participating teams are encouraged to treat one another with kindness.
Participants discussing as a team during FLL 2010 competition.
As compared to other competition, FLL does not just emphasis on the robot design. There will be 6 judges moving around to access the teams in their team spirit and cooperation with one another. Knowledge, competition and empathy are 3 key elements that are highly valued in this competition.
There will be a total of 17 awards to be given out. Besides the Champions Award, other awards also include Gracious Professionalism Award, Robot Performance Award, etc. The winning team and 6 individuals chosen by the judges will form up Team Singapore and represent Singapore at World Festival @ USA from 14 to 17 April at Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
LL helps to spark children and youth's interest in science and technology. " Heartware is encouraged by the number of youth volunteers who participated this year. We hope to see so many youths coming forward as volunteers again next year to help in this meaningful event," said Amanda.
0 comments:
Post a Comment