FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FIRST ROBOTICS CANADA PROUDLY ANNOUNCES MISSISSAUGA’S RETURN AS THE HOST OF CANADA’S LARGEST ROBOTICS CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT IN 2024 FEATURING TOP HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS FROM ACROSS ONTARIO
Mississauga, January 10, 2024
FIRST Robotics Canada proudly announces its partnership with Visit Mississauga, the City of Mississauga’s Destination Marketing Organization, as the host sponsor for the three-day Robotics Provincial Championship Competition event. Set to take place at the International Centre, this high-stakes competition will include the participation of 100 top-tier high school robotics student teams, all vying for an opportunity to secure a coveted spot at the upcoming FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas.
The Provincial Championship, scheduled from April 4-6, promises to be an intense showcase of innovation, strategy, and technical prowess as these young innovators compete in challenging matches featuring their 125-pound robots. FIRST supports Pre-K to 12 STEAM and skilled trades learning inside and outside classrooms and collaborates with partner schools/boards to develop and implement hands-on STEAM solutions, inspiring all students across different learner levels. The event atmosphere will be electric, filled with suspense and excitement as these aspiring engineers showcase their cutting edge creations and problem solving skills on the competition floor.
“We’re so pleased to have been selected, for the thirteenth year, to host the 2024 Robotics Provincial Championship Competition,” said Victoria Clarke, CEO of Visit Mississauga. “I’d like to welcome all of the participants from across the province to our great city! We look forward to showcasing all that Mississauga has to offer, including our innovative and world-class attractions. And we’re particularly excited to host this competition at the International Centre, which is a great example of one of our versatile venues that can accommodate all kinds of events, from sporting events to conferences, to trade shows, and more. Mississauga really has so much to offer, and we have many events of all kinds booked in the city for 2024, contributing to the economy and helping position Mississauga as a great spot for all types of tourism.”
Notably, this event is made possible through the generous support of key sponsors, including Pit Sponsor, Magna International and other long-time partners, TD SYNNEX, Hatch, Boeing, CenterLine (Windsor Ltd), 3M Canada, Honda Canada Foundation, Rockwell Automation, Enbridge Gas and the Ontario Ministry of Education, whose commitment to fostering innovation and STEM education empowers the next generation of technology leaders.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with the City of Mississauga and Visit Mississauga to present this extraordinary opportunity for young aspiring engineers and budding STEM & skilled trades enthusiasts. As a team, we’re eagerly gearing up to welcome over 3000 vibrant high school students from across Ontario to the Provincial Championship. Stay tuned for an event that promises excitement and innovation, celebrating the incredible talent of these young tech fans. Helping to host this event is a testament to Mississauga’s unwavering dedication to nurturing innovation and education within our community.” – Dave Ellis, President, FIRST Robotics Canada.
The FIRST Ontario Provincial Championship, which is projected to bring in more than 4000 spectators and students, will showcase student teams from the FIRST Robotics Competition for students in grades 9-12; FIRST Tech Challenge for grades 7-12; FIRST LEGO® League for grades Pre K-8.
Save the Date: April 4-6, 2024,
The International Centre, Hall 5, 6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8
About FIRST Robotics Canada
FIRST Robotics Canada, a registered charity is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (Kindergarten – Grade 12) that can be facilitated in school or in structured afterschool programs. Boosted by a global support system of volunteers, educators, and sponsors, teams operate under a signature set of FIRST Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements during annual challenges. FIRST has a proven impact on STEM learning, interest, and skill-building well beyond high school. FIRST’s programs reach 300,000 students in 70 countries. FIRST Robotics Canada, a Canadian non-profit, started in 2002 and has reached over 20,000 Canadian students. Alumni of FIRST programs gain access to exclusive scholarships, internships, and other opportunities that create connections and open pathways to a wide variety of careers. Learn more at firstroboticscanada.org
About Visit Mississauga
Visit Mississauga is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the City of Mississauga. The organization is industry-led and responsible for developing a tourism strategy and leading tourism marketing and development efforts for a destination. The organization’s mandate of implementing the City of Mississauga’s Tourism Master Plan Tourism Mississauga is committed to promoting local businesses and bringing large scale events and attracting visitors to the City. To learn more about Visit Mississauga, or check out other exciting events coming to Mississauga, go to www.visitmississauga.ca or follow @VisitMississauga on social for more tourism recommendations, contests and upcoming events.
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Joanna Whitney
FIRST Robotics Canada
joanna.whitney@firstroboticscanada.org
City of Mississauga Media Relations
media@mississauga.ca
905-615-3200, ext. 5232
TTY: 905-896-5151
-END-