No, Karthik, we, FIRST, thank you. (makes a note to use less commas
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Everyone is saying 296 is the first Canadian champion, but people forget what a member of NiagaraFIRST did more than 24 hours earlier. FIRST Vex Challenge team 268 won the Championship event of FVC friday evening, so Karthik, you still are the first Canadian champions, never forget that.
1114 was one of the final 24 teams remaining in this FIRST season, with more than 1100 teams, that's an AMAZING feat, no ifs, ands, or buts.
Only 3 teams have EVER won 3 regional events in one season, and you're a mentor to the only 2 to win during the alliance era. Think about that, not just one, but two. Most people in FIRST don't have a single gold medal, you have 7 this year alone.
Take a long look at what you have done this year, don't let two silly losses at the end bring you down. 1114 has had one of the greatest seasons ever, and if 25 doesn't start out 31-0, there would be no question about it at all. At least in my opinion, that Regional Chairman's banner you have means alot more than any award you can win on the field, even at Championship.
I really look forward to seeing 1114 once again at IRI, it really has been too long. That machine is beautiful, and breath taking on the field. I expect nothing less from 1114. In just 4 years, you have established yourself amognst the elite teams in FIRST, think about it. I have absolutely no doubt, no doubt at all, that 1114 will win both a Champions Chairman's Award and a Championship, something that only 2 teams have done so far. It may take a little while to capture them both, but it will happen. It took 111 until 2003 to win their first championship, and 254 still hasn't done it. You are absolutely on the same level as those two powerhouses. In 11 years, 116 has NEVER won anything higher than a bronze participation medal, you have only one competition where 1114 hasn't earned more, ever.
FIRST owes you a great big thank you. Karthik, you and 1114 are truly an inspiration to us all, keep on rocking.