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Originally Posted by Koko Ed
So I take it that there is going to be a significant increase in Brazilian teams next season.
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Yes, teams will continue growing, specially with a Regional Event in our country, cutting expenses with visas, air tickets, lodging, etc, witch can reach up to 2,000 dollars per student.
In 2005 we had a list of 25 High Schools willing to commit with FIRST Robotics Program, but only 3 actually participated and continue with FRC (#1603, #1621 and #1628).
With the confirmation of our Regional Event for March, not only this 25 HS will be able to participate in FIRST Robotics, but all other High Schools gathered in Globaltech 2006 Science and Innovation Fair and other exhibitions that will take place in the following months (3 at least).
At the worst scenario, 15 more teams at least. Companies such as Johnson & Johnson and lots of others are awakening to FIRST in Brazil. Several have already committed to support FIRST during our meetings in the past two weeks.
Team #269, from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, almost joined us this year, but due to time problems (visas and so on) they couldn't come. BUT they already expressed their intention of exchanging the nationals for Brazil next year. <rumor> Several other teams also showed interest of doing so </rumor>.
I'm working in the BRFIRST.ORG website and you should find updated news and pictures by any moment. (
www.brfirst.org/en and
http://www.brfirst.org/galeria/thumbnails.php?album=10 for pictures)