More than 2,700 High-School Robotics Teams from Around the World to Compete in 98 Regional and District Competitions Starting February 27

FIRST

Who:

More than 2,700 high-school students from 17 countries around the world will participate in the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC®) for an opportunity to win regional recognition for design excellence, sportsmanship, teamwork, and more, and advance to the FIRST Championship competition. The media is encouraged to attend, catch the excitement of this intense competition, and cheer on their favorite teams.

What:

The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC®) is a program that challenges high school students - working with professional Mentors - to design and build a robot to contend in competitions that measure the effectiveness of each robot, the power of collaboration, and the determination of students. Teams competing at 98 Regional and District FIRST Robotics Competition events will vie for regional awards and a spot at the FIRST Championship to be held April 23-26, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. The competition is part of FIRST®, a not-for-profit organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen that is dedicated to inspiring young people's interest and participation in science and technology.

The 2014 game, AERIAL ASSISTSM, is played by two Alliances of three teams each. Alliances compete by trying to score as many balls in goals as possible during a two-minute and 30-second match. Additional points are earned by robots working together to score goals, and by throwing and catching balls over a truss suspended just over five feet above the floor as they move the ball down the field.

Where:

Regional events taking place every week starting February 27 through April 12, 2014. Date/time varies by location.

To find a FIRST Robotics Competition event near you, please visit:

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/regional-events.

Photo Op:

Students testing, tuning up, and competing with their robots. Watch student teams of Alliances score as many points as possible during fast-paced matches. Student-operated robots throwing and catching balls over a truss suspended five feet above the floor. Mentors, school groups, school mascots, family, and fans cheering on teams

About FIRST®

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $19 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC® ) for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC® ) for Grades 7-12; FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL® ) for Grades 4-8; and Junior FIRST® LEGO® League (Jr.FLL®) for Grades K-3. Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.