Students and their robots set to invade ShoWare Center Saturday | Washington FIRST Robotics

Published 2:02 pm Thursday, January 28, 2016

Editor’s note: the following is a press release from Washington FIRST Robotics.

Very few high school athletes will turn pro – but there is a sport for the mind where all students can go pro.

More than 1,000 Washington FIRST Robotics students ages 6 to 18 years old will be competing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, at the FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge Western Washington State Championships at ShoWare Center in Kent.

These students will be exercising their mind as their primary resource as they find their spark for science, technology and teamwork which could help create a career pathway for their future.

FIRST LEGO League Jr. teams will participate in an expo during the afternoon.

Thirty teams out of 120 FIRST LEGO League teams have advanced to the state championship in this season’s challenge Trash Trek.

Thirty-two teams out of 128 FIRST Tech Challenge teams have advanced to play in this seasons challenge Res-Q.

Opening ceremonies for the event will be at 12:45 p.m. at the event center and the public is encourage to attend this STEM in action event.

The city of Kent is a sponsor of the event along with Washington FIRST Robotics.

Washington FIRST Robotics is a nonprofit organization that ignites youthful minds through education, hard work, mentors and healthy competition. Currently there are more than 11,000 young people participating throughout the state with more than 6,000 coaches, mentors and volunteers.

In the four after school programs: FIRST LEGO League Jr., ages 6 to 9; FIRST LEGO League, ages 9 to 14; FIRST Tech Challenge, grade 7 to 12; FIRST Robotics Competition, grade 9 to 12; young people are exposed to and are inspired to build on their passions to prepare them to be the STEM leaders of tomorrow.

For more information on FIRST or to find out how to get involved please go to:  http://www.firstwa.org.