Press Release
Ottawa Valley Power Play
As interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) activities and e-sports soars among the youth of our region, Ottawa Valley Power Play, a local virtual reality arcade, is expanding its operations to include an exciting robotics competition club to join the FIRST Robotics Canada league.
“Patrons of our virtual reality arcade have been asking for more fun and exciting technology activities; and this robotics club promises to challenge our students through teamwork and problem-solving with friendly competition,” says Ron Duncan, co-owner and founder of Ottawa Valley Power Play.
“We have been fans of the FIRST Robotics community and competitions for years,” he adds. “Now we are delighted to bring the club to the valley this school year.”
The arcade aims to launch the club for youth 12 to 18 years old in September, as the school year opens, to eventually compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge and the FIRST Robotics Competition.
Teams of 2 to 15 are challenged to raise funds, design a team ‘brand’, hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to play a difficult field game against competitors. Volunteer mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. The season ends with an exciting Championship tournament.
Guided by coaches and mentors, the students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles while realizing the value of hard work, innovation and sharing ideas. Participants in the FIRST Robotics Canada league also have access to tens of millions of dollars in academic scholarships.
Registration is $125 per student, which includes apparel and a tote bag. Membership in the club is $50 per month or $500 per year. The club meets Wednesdays 4pm to 8pm at Ottawa Valley Power Play, 213 Pembroke Street West in Pembroke, and in remote field-test ranges or by videoconference when required.
More information can be found at ovpowerplay.com where registration is now open, interested coaches can volunteer, and sponsor investment packages are available.
“We hope to tap into the spirit of the Ottawa Valley’s high-tech history to find mentors in engineering and computer science who can inspire our next generation of technology leaders,” Ron Duncan says. “What’s better than brain candy?”
