Do any schools recognize their FIRST teams as sports?

[Wayne C.]

Hey Joe-

Maybe it's luck but you also need to realize that we have been around for 6 years and FIRST is a full time club with us. We've worked hard to get where we are today and look forward to an even better future.

One way you might get more support from your school is to have your faculty advisor contact the local papers and let them in on your projects. I find that once the public sees great things happening in the school the administration has no choice but to recognize it and give support.

Remember- most people never heard of FIRST. YOU tell them with enthusiasm and energy. Take lots of pictures. Make a press packet and send them out to the local newspapers. Rally the community behind the team. A part of our team is dedicated to just this job ( also helps with fund raising).

Elected officials (like school boards) love to look good for the voters, especially if it costs them nothing.

A word of caution- when dealing with the public ALWAYS keep a positive attitude and always credit your sponsors. Newspapers love to find controversy and they can ruin you as easily as help you. (This is a hard learned lesson from a guy who occasionally loses his cool- especially this year being on an ODD team)

Good luck- and if we can help let us know at Team 25

WC