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The Caribbean contingent at the First Global Challenge robotics competition is continuing to show the world that the region has a lot to offer as two teams have successfully navigated into the playoffs.
Representatives from Belize and Puerto Rico earned valuable points during the first round to be ranked in the competition’s Top 15 per cent to secure their playoff spots.
Team Puerto Rico, which was the highest-ranked Caribbean team heading into the playoffs, were defeated in their opening round match 461-330 when they joined Macedonia and Senegal to play against Belize, Switzerland, Botswana and Lithuania.
They rebounded and picked up victories in their following two matches.
Team Belize, which is made up of Alexander Usher, Benny He, Jaden Chen, Justin Zhou, Karii Domingo, Ngakei Choi, Olivia Quinto, Ray Wu, Sebastian Garcia, Tristian Bradley and Victoria Quan, entered the playoffs as the 14th best team.
They are currently undefeated in the playoffs.
After demolishing their first opponents, the team made light work of Kuwait, Indonesia, Peru and Cape Verde in their second match and Pakistan, Israel, Kazakhstan and Montenegro in the third match.
On Saturday, Belize High School Principal, Jamie Usher, who is the team’s mentor at the competition in Geneva, expressed her happiness with the team’s performances in the opening leg of the competition.
She noted that her students’ overall development has improved significantly since they are learning lessons that will prepare them for working in the real world.
“This competition is a reminder that it is not always about winning but it is about competing collaboratively. A big part [and] a big transition for our teenagers in this competition is that it is about meeting people and working with them rather than getting your own way,” she said.
“The new phase of game as we enter into this new industrial revolution is that it’s not about winning. It’s about improving every chance we get here in order for us all to perform better.”
The team’s red mangrove planting initiative at the Haulover Bridge has also been selected as one of the Top 10 environmental projects at this year’s competition.
Puerto Rico and Belize will return to the competition floor later this morning for their final matches. (Loop News)
