[Karthik]

There they are in all their glory. The three NiagaraFIRST.org robots. Here's the story.

The 2004 FIRST season was an amazing adventure for Team 1114. Many awards were won, and an entire team of students and mentors realized the power and importance of FIRST. After having such a positive experience, we knew we wanted to expand. The Niagara Region only had one team at the time, and we knew this needed to be fixed. Unfortunately, without a creative strategy our GM St. Catharines funding and mentor base would end up being spread to thinly.

This is where the idea of collaboration came into effect. By having the teams build the same robot, we could better use our funding and our mentor base. Hence, NiagaraFIRST.org was formed.

NiagaraFIRST.org uses creative and collaborative strategies to minimize development, manufacturing, and travel expenses, allowing for smaller allocation of resources to support a greater number of FIRST teams. By uniquely managing mentor support and financial resources, NiagaraFIRST.org was able start two new FRC teams in the region. Team 1503 (Westlane SS) and Team 1680 (Fort Erie SS) became the newest members of the NiagaraFIRST.org community.

As a result, almost four times as many students in the Niagara Region have been inspired by FIRST. These robots were designed and built by GM St. Catharines engineers, students and mentors from all three teams. The teams functioned together as one unit.

The results are amazing. The three teams have created a large level of excitement in the community, and many new sponsors of jumped on board. It's been such a great success, we're hoping to add three new teams for 2006!

Our rookie teams are nothing like rookies, because of the guidance they've received from our experienced group 1114 mentors and students. The learning curve has been blown away, and these guys are ready to compete.

Thanks to all who made this possible. Special thanks to NiagaraFIRST.org executive sponsor Steve Rourke, who came up with this wonderful idea. NiagaraFIRST.org General Manager Matthew Vint, who steered this ship through even the choppiest waters. Lead engineer Derek Bessette who is the main man behind this wonderful design. My role on the team has been reduced due to other personal commitments, but the team hasn't skipped a beat.

Also, AndyMark.biz, we would not have been able to put out this high a quality machine without your wonderful products. We will proudly be displaying those AndyMark stickers where ever we go.

Teams 60 & 254. Without your land breaking collaboration last year, we never would have thought to do this. Any success we achieve this year, will in part be yours.

If you have any questions or comments about the actual robot or the collaboration, ask away. We want to share as much information, in hopes that others will follow in our footsteps.

Two new teams, an entire community energized about FIRST, and three rock solid robots. I couldn't be happier. This season is already a success.