Hey, In 2009 the organization we all know so well, FIRST will celebrate it’s 20th birthday. Come join the facebook group and don’t forget to wish it (them) a happy birthday!
It’s hard to believe this organization is older than me.
Here’s to twenty more years of inspiration!
A si,
I’m only 16. Here’s to more than twenty more years of FIRST.
Technically the first competition year was 1992… you knew that, right?
(Yes, I know the organization was founded in 1989…)
JVN is right.
FIRST was founded in 1989, but the FIRST Robotics Competition started in 1992, and that’s the year FIRST recognizes as its first year. 2008 was the 17th year of FIRST. 2009 will be the 18th.
How do I know?
Take a look at my rookie year I listed on CD. I’m 17.
FIRST’s age is easy for me.
Ya, I know that, and I spelled that out plain to see on the homepage of the facebook group. I meant the organization itself. Thanks anyway guys.
What did FIRST do before FRC started?
Just what I was going to ask.
FIRST Place, I think. Then again, I wouldn’t know exactly–I’ve only been in/around FIRST for a decade or so.
Nope, FIRST Place didn’t exist until '98 or '99.
The way I’ve been told the story, FIRST the organization was started in 1989 and basically spent the year and a half-ish getting companies involved and raising money/interest in the program they wanted to start, which we now know as FRC.
That’s why it’s 18 this year & not 20.
However, '11 should be a HUUUUUGE party. Already looking forward to it.
Libby,
Does this mean we should all expect a giant birthday party for you and your cousin? Since, Dean always refers to his projects as his children.
I always find it so weird to know that I, FIRST, and TechnoKats are all turning 18 coming up here! I also find it cool that the seniors of every team this year, that is the ones that typically are leading the teams, are the same age as FIRST. So cool.
Hey seniors. OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH WHHAAAAAAAAAAT!?!?!?
Ya, they spent the time before that getting companies involved and spreading the word. Yes, I know the FRC is 18 this year (again…) but I am going on my own time, from when the org started.
yaya im as old as FIRST =P… but only till Dec.
I wish! That’d be wicked sweet. The wrap party for Champs '11 is really just going to be one big birthday party for me. 
First of all: OHHHHH NINNNEEE!!!
& hey, I’m not turning 18. I just turned 17! I’ll be about halfway to 18 when Championships rolls around.
I would have thought we’d acknowledge it as it’s twenty to give credit to the many people who worked to get the program going in the first place. Though I suppose if FIRST recognizes 1992 as it’s first year then it’s all good.
That’s what I thought, oh well…