Posted on the FRC Blog, 3/18/2020: https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/blog/2020-the-news
The News
2020 MAR 18 | Written by Frank Merrick.
I tried to write this blog Friday, the day after the news came out, and I couldn’t. Honestly, I just felt drained. The last few weeks have been Championship-level busy for the staff as we worked to deal with what the virus was throwing at all of us. These truly are unprecedented times.
Having a couple days to regroup with the folks in FIRST HQ and hear from many of you, I’ve thought a great deal about the hurt and disappointment we are all experiencing together. But I have also thought about the strength that lies in our mission, our staff, our volunteers and our teams. Strength that has developed over decades. Strength that has been honed in the crucible of challenge. The kind of strength that doesn’t change with the weather. Yep, there’s a storm outside. But there are no better people on this planet with whom I’d rather weather this storm.
Stay strong, and please take care of yourselves, your families, and your friends. We’ll have more information about the season soon.
Frank
I don’t normally comment on FRC Blog posts, but obviously, given the current circumstances, this one is a bit different. Let’s not beat around the bush here - This sucks. Like, a lot. But, part of what makes it so hard is the fact that we know there is an incredible experience that this whole community could be sharing together for the next month and a half, and instead we’re all restricted to the lonely confines of our own homes. Obviously we are all quite disheartened by the suspension of the 2020 FRC season the the cancellation of both World Championships, but by now we probably all agree that it was the right decision.
Despite that, don’t forget that (other than the World Championships), the season isn’t over - in fact, it’s barely even begun. The Montreal Regional has already been rescheduled for the end of May, and the Chesapeake District Championship is now slated for mid-June. FiM, PNW, FMA, and many other districts and regionals have also committed to doing everything possible to ensure that the postponed events see the light of day. The 2020 season WILL happen, and there’s a lot to look forward to. While we don’t yet know all the details, that’s okay - there is plenty else in the world that you should be focused on right now anyway, not robots. Just trust that FIRST HQ and all the amazing volunteers across the globe will do everything in their power to make sure you compete; we just all need to get through this uncertainty together first.
For now, take care of yourself, your friends, your family, and your community. And, if you’re feeling up to it, send a quick message over to Frank or a local volunteer, just to let them know that you’re thankful for all of their efforts and that you are wishing them the best. To Frank, the rest of FIRST HQ, and all of the FIRST volunteers around the world, thank you for dedication to this program, and for navigating us through the rough water we’re currently sailing in. Don’t forget - we’re all in this together.
The overarching theme of the 2020 season is FIRST RISE, and rise we shall.