On November 23, 2024, Woburn Collegiate Institute in Toronto played host to an exhilarating VEX V5 Robotics Competition that showcased the remarkable talents and dedication of young robotics enthusiasts. The event, organized by Team 188, brought together some of the most promising teams in the region, resulting in outstanding performances and memorable achievements.
The competition’s spotlight shone brightest on Team 16610A “Snacky Cakes,” who demonstrated exceptional excellence across multiple categories. Their remarkable performance earned them a prestigious trifecta: the Excellence Award, Robot Skills Champion title, and Tournament Finalist position. This comprehensive display of skill, innovation, and competitive spirit firmly established them as the competition’s standout team.
Adding to the day’s excitement, the middle school division saw impressive performances, particularly from Team 13697H “Stakehouse,” who secured second place in the skills competition and advanced to the semifinals. Despite facing a challenging rematch that ended their tournament run, their achievement with a first-generation robot design was particularly noteworthy and showed promising potential for future competitions.
The final rankings reflected the high level of competition, with Team 16610A “Snacky Cakes” claiming the top spot, followed by Team 13697H “Stakehouse” in second place. Team 16610D “Moderate” also impressed with a strong fifth-place finish, highlighting the depth of talent present at the event.
The competition, held at Woburn Collegiate Institute’s facilities at 2222 Ellesmere Road, provided an excellent venue for these young innovators to showcase their robotics expertise. The event featured in-person judging, skills challenges, and a comprehensive tournament structure that tested teams’ technical abilities, strategic thinking, and teamwork.
This competition represented more than just a robotics tournament; it served as a platform for students to demonstrate their understanding of STEM principles, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative skills. The success of teams like 16610A shows the growing strength of robotics education in the Toronto region and sets an inspiring example for aspiring robotics enthusiasts.
The event’s organization, supported by Bot Camp and coordinated by Ahilan Vigneswaramoorthy, ensured a smooth and professional competition environment. With a capacity for 60 teams and comprehensive support systems in place, the tournament maintained high standards of competition while fostering an atmosphere of learning and growth.
As we look forward to future competitions, the achievements demonstrated at this event serve as a benchmark for excellence in student robotics. The success stories from this competition will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of robotics enthusiasts and continue to advance the field of competitive robotics education.