Kinetic Knights return from worlds; hosting more fund-raisers

The Kinetic Knights (FRC Team 781) of Kincardine, returned from the FIRST world championships at the end of April with a good experience, and are ready to host more fund-raisers for the team.

After winning the 2016 Buckeye regional in Cleveland, Ohio, back in March, the team worked hard to raise $14,000 through fund-raising events and generous donations, to assist in covering the cost to travel to the worlds in St. Louis, Missouri. This was the team's sixth time in a row going to worlds.

The team appreciates everyone who promoted, volunteered, or attended any of the fund-raisers, as well as additional donations.

At the worlds, Team 781 competed on the Tesla Field (one of eight divisions) at the worlds against 74 teams. The Kinetic Knights won three of 10 matches and ended in 62nd place. Sadly, they were not selected to move on to the finals, but they took the trip as an opportunity to learn.
 

Team 781 competes with its robot at the world championships in St. Louis, Missouri; videos by David Dadson



Students attended many conferences put on by other FRC teams, companies, professionals and schools. such as MIT, and hope to take what they learned and apply it to their team.

With the competition season ended, the Kinetic Knights will be having a garage sale June 3-5, outreach at local schools, and the annual Donor Thank-You Event June 11 at the Lake Huron Learning Centre.

Members of Team 781 appreciate everyone who helped get them to the worlds and those who continue to sponsor the team. The Kinetic Knights will be out and about through the summer.

In other news, alumni members of the Kinetic Knights travelled to Owen Sound May 20 where Governor General David Johnston was speaking to grant recipients from Community Foundation Grey Bruce.

 As a recipient, Team 781, was honoured to hear Johnston speak and to share with him the Kinetic Knights plan to to expand FIRST Lego League (FLL) robotics throughout the Bluewater area. As they spoke, they realized how aligned their visions were, with the Governor General’s plan for the whole nation and Team 781’s for the local area.

“Imagine our country as it could be … a smart and caring nation, where all Canadians can succeed, contribute, and develop their talents to their fullest potential," said Johnston. The idea of “a smart and caring” community struck home with the Kinetic Knights, as the FIRST robotics program they are involved in, not only is about developing the technical problem-solving skills to build robots, but also the value of gracious professionalism to build caring citizens.

With this alignment in vision, the team is looking forward to playing its part to help achieve the Governor General’s goal for celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday by being recognized as “a smart and caring nation.”