[Al Skierkiewicz]

Without being judgmental here I would like to relate some observations from an LRI view about work required during opening ceremonies.
1. Only about one or two teams at any event are so far behind that spending the time during opening ceremonies on Friday (first day of competition) would help.
2. Of those teams that need the time, the LRI is fully aware of the needs of the team and the event schedule as it applies to that team.
3. Rarely will more than one or two team members and a single mentor will be effective in this period. The rest cannot get close to the robot or are working on non-essential items.
4. Often (almost always) the LRI and/or RI will be in the pit supervising and assisting and therefore miss the opening ceremonies.
5. The team that needs assistance usually is behind due to school travel rules, lack of mentorship or failure to understand all of the applicable rules. (overall size is historically the biggest issue requiring work)
6. There is no better inspiration at the event for the entire team than to participate as a team especially if they are being called out for being the team that has traveled the furthest, is the only rep from their state at the event, is the rookie or oldest veteran, etc.

For those that see no value in politicians or other high ranking guests getting a good reception from a large crowd I have an interesting tale. The Midwest Regional specifically moved to a Chicago site in order to attract important political and educational representatives to the event. Specifically targeted was the mayor of Chicago, Rich Daley. It took several years and then the mayor's office only promised a 15 minute appearance and a short speech at opening ceremonies. Well the reception he received made him decide to suspend other appearances and walk the pits. His 15 minutes turned into several hours. And I can tell you that many a Chicago Public School student was flattered and shocked to be talking with the mayor of the third largest city in the US on a personal basis. That is some inspiration those students will rarely get.