We are trying to express and develop support for the return of the Hudson Valley Regional in NY in the 2023 FRC season. HVR is ideally located to provide many FRC teams access to their only event. HVR also provides an opportunity for a second event for many NYC teams, which allows teams to learn and improve. As New York is landlocked by districts these second events are very difficult to access. Now that teams are returning post COVID, we run the risk of not having enough spaces for downstate teams to play, let alone our out of region visitors.
It also provides a venue for many international and district teams to visit New York State. In the past, district teams from New England and New Jersey, and international teams from Brazil, Ecuador, India and the Dominican Republic have attended HVR. Located at Rockland Community College, HVR is easily accessible and is a great venue for inviting guests, such as family members, sponsors, and potential FIRST participants. Please sign below, with your team number if applicable, to show your support for the return of the Hudson Valley Regional!
Given that RIT and SUNY Poly would be the same week in 2023 (Spring Break) and word is RPI may well be the same time (unofficial) – having HVR as what may well be the only 2nd play option for many teams is important.
I have the same questions as @Hallry regarding the reasoning for striking the event.
Additionally, I’m wondering if you’ve reached out to your Regional Director to find out if this is what they’re looking for (public interest) or if there are other barriers that need to be solved.
I would personally love to see this event come back – 1672 would benefit from having an event so close by; from the north end of bergen county, the FMA events are quite a drive.
My understanding is that it was partially cost and partially it being unclear how many teams there would be due to COVID. But that was 2022, and this is now.
I believe cost is the reason. But most people who work in business (or I assume education) know that “we don’t have the budget” or “we don’t have the time” are code for “it isn’t a high enough priority.”
I don’t think the RD believes there is a lack of interest. We are doing the petition to re-open the dialog and try to change the outcome.
I wasn’t privy to the decision making process in 2022, but my best understanding was it was a case of finite resources meeting multiple needs. There was concern about teams coming back from COVID and how much demand there would be. A reasonable concern coming out of the pandemic.
My intent with the petition is to help demonstrate the need and desire for the event and how it benefits lots of teams, not just the ones in the immediate area. Hopefully if enough voices say how important access to the event is, then it will raise up on the priority list.
Thanks for the response. To echo Jared’s question from yesterday, have you been in touch with the Regional Director recently? While this petition may or may not be helpful, there may be other barriers that need to be solved as well.