Brazilian team won't participate next year...

[sloteera]

Well,

After four seasons, my team (#1860) won't participate in any regional.
Our main sponsor (Jonhson&Jonhson) cannot pay our participation.

We have some others sponsor and partners, however the Brazilian bureaucracy in relation to money spent by companies (mainly international transactions) prevent them from pay our registration.

Unfortunately, we could only U$3000,00 (R$5250,00).
Next year, we would try New Jersey Regional, because many J&J teams attempt there and in Trenton we debuting IN FRC, however I think this not possible more.

Teams outside USA have many troubles for build a robot and carry it to compete there, but I have no doubt that the main problem is the money.
Whatever, on behalf #1860 I'd like to wish a wonderfull season for every team, mainly the teams that we expected found again!!

PS: if some brazilian or latin american team needs some help, let us know, we'd love to help!!!

[Mr. Pockets]

I won't mince words, that really stinks.
It really is awful that such a simple thing as money (or access to it) would stop you guys from competing. I hope you're still able participate to some degree this season, and wish you better luck next year =)

As a side note, I'm unfamiliar with the status of FRC in Brazil. Would it be feasible to put together a Brazilian regional this year, or would this be too impractical?

[hyperdude]

My team is facing the same problem this year.

The last two years, we've attended the Minnesota Regional (its first year, and last year the 10,000 Lakes Regional). The University of Minnesota (where the regional's held) had funded us both years.
This year they cut us off.

We've (coincidentally?) also only managed to raise about $3000 so far.

However, like what Mr Pockets said, that is really sad that your team is unable to participate this year. Based on your team number, I'd guess this would have been your team's third or fourth season.

Hopefully you can take part next year!

[Akash Rastogi]

This is very unfortunate news for us NJ teams. Each year we always look forward to seeing and competing with teams from outside the States.

I wish you the best of luck for next season. Hopefully you can help out other teams in South America.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pockets

As a side note, I'm unfamiliar with the status of FRC in Brazil. Would it be feasible to put together a Brazilian regional this year, or would this be too impractical?

There has been a Brazilian Regional in the past; the last one was in 2008, with 12 teams. Not sure why it doesn't happen anymore, but I'd guess the economy and/or a lack of teams.

[xitaqua]

Bom Dia,

I was wondering what schools/cities in Brazil has participated on FRC ?

I went to Colegio Bandeirantes in Sao Paulo.....I was hoping one day they would have a team over there.....

Cheers,
Marcos.

[gblake]

Just in case Team 1860 has not entered a lower cost program yet...

Don't overlook the benefits of running an FTC or VRC or ... team - They will help you stay ready for the next FRC season.

You can also consider using your current money to build experimental robot subsystems you can reuse and improve next season.

Stay involved! - Don't go to sleep for an entire year.

Blake

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by gblake

Just in case Team 1860 has not entered a lower cost program yet...

Don't overlook the benefits of running an FTC or VRC or ... team - They will help you stay ready for the next FRC season.

You can also consider using your current money to build experimental robot subsystems you can reuse and improve next season.

Stay involved! - Don't go to sleep for an entire year.

Blake

Seconded, but don't forget to inform your sponsors of the change in plan. Remember, FIRST isn't about the robots, it is about inspiring students.

[Denman]

As many have said, It sucks big time but i wish you well!
We are having a similar situation with our sponsors having to cut down the amount they have given us.

[keehun]

Originally Posted by hyperdude

My team is facing the same problem this year.

Hi, this is Keehun from Eden Prairie, MN. I'm so sorry to hear that Brainerd doesn't have funding this season... For us, we didn't have a primary sponsor our second year (Best Buy gave us a boatload of money first year, and then had to drop us second year), which naturally got us to scramble for funding for the second time (our second season funding was also a last minute scramble).

With that said, we got really fortunate and actually raised more money than the bucket load of money that Best Buy gave to us the first year.. NASA grant really helped us out..

Brainerd, if you guys need any sort of help, let me know!

Thanks,
Keehun