FIRST Inaugural Chesapeake Regional Competition, March 13-15

	Photo of a robotic demostration

The 2003 FIRST Robotics Competition Chesapeake Regional will be held March 13-15 at the U.S. Naval Academy's Halsey Field House in Annapolis, Maryland. This 3-day event is open to the public with Thursday, being a practice day and competitions to be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. General parking will be available at the Naval Academy stadium with shuttle bus service available to the venue site.

FIRST, an acronym for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology", is organized to inspire curiosity and create interest in science and mathematics among today's youth.

Goddard is a major sponsor for the Chesapeake Regional Competition, which is endorsed by the state of Maryland. Fifty-seven teams will be comprised of more than 1,500 students from throughout the state of Maryland, nine other states and the District of Columbia.

NASA has provided sponsorship for fifteen teams and Goddard is also sponsoring several teams. They will be participating with teachers, college and corporate engineering mentors, community volunteers and judges who take part in competitive game strategies with robots constructed from a kit of common parts in a six-week collaboration that began Jan. 4, 2003.

According to Steve Chism, chairperson for the Chesapeake Regional Planning Committee, this is the first time a FIRST Regional has been hosted in the state. "I feel that the opportunities and challenges that the students, teachers, mentors, parents, communities and sponsors go through and overcome are a real measure of the greatness that lies within each of us when given the opportunity and the environment to succeed." Steve said that the goal of the committee is to make this an annual event for the state of Maryland.

FIRST was founded in 1989 by accomplished inventor Dean Kamen to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people, their schools and their communities. Based in Manchester, N.H., the non-profit organization designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue academic opportunities.

"The FIRST Robotics Competition is not just about the design and building of sophisticated robots. These students also develop maturity, professionalism, teamwork and mentoring skills that enrich their lives," said Dean Kamen. "Many of our students develop an affinity for their science and math courses, go on to study engineering, technology or science in college, and also to pursue employment opportunities with sponsoring companies," added Kamen.

Teams will compete for honors and recognition that reward design excellence, competitive play, sportsmanship and high-impact partnerships between schools, businesses and communities. In 2002, FIRST Robotics Competition student participants were eligible to apply for $2.2 million in scholarships from leading universities, colleges and companies. Teams can also earn a spot for the FIRST Robotics Championship to be held April 10-12, at The Reliant Park Center in Houston, TX.

For more information about FIRST or the 2003 competition visit www.usfirst.org or www.mitc.org