Northern Cape teams shine in regional First Lego League competition, three teams make it to nationals

Eight years of intense dedication and commitment of the SARAO Robotics Schools Programme was evident at the 2024 For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) LEGO League (FLL) Regional Robotics Competition held at Carnarvon High School. As a result, three teams from Carnarvon have qualified to participate in the First Lego League Nationals, set to take place on 6 and 7 December 2024 in Johannesburg, Gauteng!

The regional competition, which took place on Saturday, 2 November 2024 was a thrilling showcase of innovation, teamwork, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) excellence.

Under the leadership of Chantel Mathison, Professional Officer in the SARAO Schools Programme and Odwa Magabuko, SARAO’s Robotics Schools Programme coordinator, young robotics enthusiasts from across the Northern Cape region gathered to demonstrate their coding skills, creativity and engineering know-how in a supportive, hands-on environment designed to build their skills and spark curiosity.

The 16 teams which participated came from Brandvlei (3 teams), Loxton (1 team), Williston (2 teams), Vosburg (2 teams), Vanwyksvlei (1 team), Carnarvon (6 teams, both from the primary school and high school) and Kimberley (1 team).

The event kicked off early as teams arrived to set up their pits, making last-minute adjustments to their robots. With referees and judges gathering for briefings and coaches offering final words of encouragement, the atmosphere was electric as the young innovators prepared to begin. The event was hosted by Nomfundo Makhubo, SARAO’s Stakeholder Engagement Manager, who guided the day with enthusiasm, encouraging both participants and the audience to fully engage with the excitement of the competition.

Throughout the day, the teams took turns showcasing their robots’ capabilities across various rounds. Each team’s unique approach to the competition theme stood out. From programming robots to navigate complex tasks to solving real-world challenges, the participants demonstrated remarkable skill and innovation. These young minds proved that the future of STEM is in capable hands.

As the competition drew to a close, it was time for the medal and awards ceremony. The competition concluded with a medal and awards ceremony, honouring the exceptional efforts of both participants and volunteers. It was a moment to celebrate the outstanding achievements of all teams, but a few stood out for their exceptional contributions.

The following prizes were awarded:

• Best Robot Design Award: Tesla Minions 🏆
  Recognized for their engineering skills and innovative robot design, Tesla Minions displayed creativity and precision that impressed the judges.

• Innovation Project Award: Submasters 💡
  Submasters wowed everyone with their imaginative approach to the Innovation Project, tackling a real-world problem with fresh ideas and effective solutions.

• Core Values – Inspiration Award: Cyber Warriors 🌟
  Cyber Warriors showed exemplary teamwork, respect, and enthusiasm – key values of the FLL spirit that resonated throughout the competition.

• Robot Performance Award – Highest Scores in the Three Rounds Played:

o   First Place: Sharpshooters 🎯
The Sharpshooters achieved an incredible score of 265 points, showcasing their skill, strategy, and precision.

• Outstanding Coach/Mentor Award: Logan Manus – Thunderbots👏
  Logan Manus received special recognition for providing unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance to their team, embodying the true spirit of mentorship.

• Engineering Excellence Award: Golden Nexis 🔧
  Golden Nexis took home the Engineering Excellence Award for their meticulous engineering, impressive robot functionality, and problem-solving prowess.

• Champion’s Award:

o   2nd Place FLL Challenge Submerged Northern Cape Carnarvon Regional: Code Crushers 🥈
Code Crushers brought their A-game, earning them the second-place championship award.

o   Overall Winner for the FLL Challenge Submerged Northern Cape Carnarvon Regional: Sharpshooters 🥇
With their outstanding performance, Sharpshooters were crowned the overall champions of today’s FLL competition!

The three teams that have qualified for the First Lego League Nationals, set to take place on 6 and 7 December 2024 in Johannesburg, are the Sharpshooters, Code Crushers, and the Tesla Minions. Best of luck to our regional winners as they prepare to represent Carnarvon and continue their journey in the world of robotics!

During an SKAO Council Visit at the Losberg site on Monday, 04 November 2024, SARAO Managing Director, Pontsho Maruping reiterated that SARAO has in the past supported learners and will continue to support them through the Human Capital Development Schools Programme. “It is exciting to see learners from the rural Northern Cape excel in robotics challenges,” she said. 

SARAO has been running the Robotics Schools Programme in the Karoo since 2016. The aim is to develop and inspire an interest in STEM skills in the schools around the development of the MeerKAT radio telescope, a precursor to the Square Kilometre Array. 

In May 2023 Carnarvon High School represented South Africa in the FIRST LEGO League in Morocco, while Magabuko was selected as judge at the World Robot Olympiad Friendship Invitational tournament 2023 in the Robo Mission category.  

Share this