Jim Intriglia’s Blog

FIRST launched the 2009 worldwide competition season yesterday revealing the competition challenge game “Lunacy” to nearly 1700 teams comprising over 42,000 high school students worldwide. Each team now has six weeks to design and build their robot from a common kit of parts provided by FIRST. Team robots will compete in a series of events that culminate with the FIRST Championship event held in Atlanta, Georgia.

This is my first year serving as a mentor for Team Blitz, our award-winning FIRST robotics team. Last year, I accompanied Team Blitz members to the regional competition and watched both FIRST and Team Blitz in action. I was impressed by what I saw on so many levels that I decided to join Team Blitz for this year’s competition.

Founder Dean Kamen addressed Colorado teams assembled in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science IMAX theater. In his address to the teams, he spoke about the importance of technology as a solution to poverty that affects two-thirds of the world’s population. He challenged team members to use the FIRST to build relationships and learn from team mentors, many who are experts in the fields of engineering, project management and business.

Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST National Advisor and Pappalardo MIT Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, reminded team members to practice gracious professionalism during the next six weeks and throughout their careers as innovators.

The Colorado chapter of FIRST needs volunteers to help with the organization and management of this years statewide competition. This is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside some of the most remarkable and talented professionals that make Colorado their home. It is also an opportunity to contribute your time, energy and talent to developing the next generation of innovators, business managers and entrepreneurs. Be a FIRST volunteer and help shape the future of the next generation of leaders.