Who: For the 12th consecutive year, School Business Partnerships of Long Island, Inc. (SBPLI) is sponsoring the Long Island Regional FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition. SBPLI and FIRST are non-profit organizations committed to instilling a passion for science and technology in young people, their schools and their communities.
What: The FIRST Robotics Competition is a program that challenges high school students working with professional mentors to design and build a 120-pound robot to contend in competitions that measure the effectiveness of each robot, the power of collaboration and the fortitude of the students. On January 8, the teams learned the rules of this year's game via satellite from FIRST headquarters and a "kit of parts" was distributed to each team. They had six weeks to construct a robot and to prepare for the upcoming competition entitled "LOGO MOTION."
When: Friday, March 25 9:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. - Opening Ceremony
9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. - Robotics Competition
4:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. - Day One Awards Ceremony
5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. - VIP Reception
Saturday, March 26 9:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. - Opening Ceremony
9:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. - Robotics Competition
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Playoff Matches and Awards
Where: David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex (Arena)
North Campus, Hofstra University
Hempstead, N.Y.
Directions: Exit M4 of the Meadowbrook Parkway, Route 24 West (Hempstead Turnpike). Stay on 24W for about one mile. Pass Nassau Coliseum. Make the first right after the first overhead walkway (this is the main entrance into the campus). Make a right at the stop sign onto a street named Northern Boulevard. The second building on the right is the Hofstra Arena. Follow signs to parking.
###
SBPLI was founded in 1984 by Fred Breithut with the goal of developing partnerships between local high schools and businesses that would provide students with practical experience and curriculum development, while helping the business community develop its future workforce. Over 100 partnerships have been formed. In 1999, Long Island FIRST was formed for the purpose of developing a Long Island Regional FIRST Competition. In 2000, 14 high school teams participated. The Long Island Regional has since grown with 48 teams participating in 2010. In January 2011, registered teams were provided with supplies and the competition's game rules via satellite from U.S. FIRST's home office.