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Ottawa Valley Power Play, a local virtual reality arcade, is expanding its operations to include a robotics competition club to join the FIRST Robotics Canada league.
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As interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) pursuits and esports skyrockets among youth in our region, Ottawa Valley Power Play (OVPP) co-owner and founder Ron Duncan , believes that now is the perfect time to get into robotics. competition.
“Customers at our virtual reality arcade have been asking for more fun and exciting technology activities; and this robotics club promises to challenge our students through teamwork and problem solving with friendly competition,” Duncan said. “We have been fans of the FIRST Robotics community and competitions for years. Now we are excited to bring the club to the valley this school year.
The arcade aims to launch the club for 12-18 year olds in September, when the school year opens, to potentially compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition. Teams of two to 15 people are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand”, hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to play a challenging terrain game against competitors. Volunteer mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. The season ends with a championship tournament.
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Guided by coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas. FIRST Robotics Canada league participants also have access to tens of millions of dollars in scholarships.
Registration is $125 per student, which includes clothing and a tote bag. Club membership is $50 per month or $500 per year. The club will meet Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ottawa Valley Power Play, 213 Pembroke Street West in Pembroke, and at remote shooting ranges or by videoconference as needed.
More information can be found at ovpowerplay.com where registration is now open, interested coaches can volunteer and sponsorship investment packages are available.
“We hope to tap into the spirit of the Ottawa Valley’s high-tech history to find engineering and computer science mentors who can inspire our next generation of technology leaders,” Duncan said. “What’s better than brain candy?”
