2022 Robotic Challenge |23 November 2022
Members of Team Seychelles in a souvenir photograph after the certificate presentation ceremony (Photo: Louis Toussaint)
Team Seychelles awarded certificate
Following their good performance in the sixth edition of the First Global Robotic Challenge 2022 in Geneva, Team Seychelles were awarded with their certificate in a small ceremony on Monday at the Savoy Resort and Spa.
Out of 12 matches, their alliance won 8, drew 2 and lost 2, coming out in the 38th position as a team, out of 162 participating countries.
This is an 83-leapfrog step from 121st out of 161 in the previous one in Dubai in 2018.
It is worth noting the progress of our teams in the challenge since it started in Washington DC in 2017. Team Seychelles have made remarkable progress over the last six years, moving up in ranking from 126th to 17th place globally.
From 2019 our teams have leapfrogged to the first 50 and now in the first 20 on the global stage. Our expectation now is to keep the momentum towards the top. This time round in the context of the physical Team Alliances with randomised pitching and slotting, Team Seychelles came out with an impressive performance. Out of 12 matches, their alliance won 8, drew 2 and lost 2, coming out in the 38th position as a team out of 162 participating countries.
The certificate presentation ceremony was attended by Xavier Estico, director general in the Division of Science Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the members of STEM committee, parents and the students. Ronan Varsani and Mikhail Rudchenko from International School, Farah-Rose Bianca Jean-Louis from Beau Vallon secondary school, Jaeden Nathan Niguel Ernesta from Anse Royale secondary school and Maryam Limia Henrie from Anse Boileau secondary school were the ones participating in the challenge.
They were supported by Elgar Jean Faure from Plaisance secondary school, Denis Rufo Michel Hoareau from Belonie secondary school and Ezra Kylie Anais Albert from Perseverance secondary school.
The team manager was Xavier Estico and the team mentors were Joseph Raj, the principal research officer - Innovation/DSTI; Fabien Adrienne, an engineer and Raffaello Rotolo, an engineer. Angela Marie, senior office assistant/DSTI, also accompanied the team.
The eldest on the team, Ronan Varsani and Mikhail Rudchenko, have participated in the competition since 2019 and they are now leaving the team for further studies. They both shared how amazing the experience were and how year by year Team Seychelles have been getting better.
Team Seychelles was supported by the First Global Organising Committee, which helped to finance their trip, the local sponsors, the Children’s Fund, H Savy Insurance and Laxmanbhai & Company (Seychelles) Ltd.
Mr Estico shared that “the First Global Robotic Challenge is not only designed for competing. The fundamental philosophy behind this Olympic-style competition is for teams to work together to complete tasks in a game themed around one of the greatest challenges facing our planet, including the 14 Grand Challenges for Engineering, in an effort to foster understanding and cooperation among the youth of the world as they use their abilities to solve the world’s problems. The challenges we face as a global society need to be solved, and the next generation can meet the task together. This year’s theme is ‘Carbon Capture’. It is an important activity in the fight against global warming. The First Global Challenge is a meeting point of collaboration, team work and an opportunity to have fun through the diverse social and cultural events. I have no doubt that you did have fun too when you were there”.
Mr Estico also noted that Team Seychelles 2023 need to learn a lesson from this year’s experience. “We shall continue not to bet on luck, but on innovation and efficiency as well as aiming high to reach the final. We do not want to be disappointed by failing to secure the final 36 teams through the randomized system that First Global has lately introduced to give even the lowest-ranked team to participate in the final rounds. Despite your disappointment and frustrations, you have displayed a very good spirit of sportsmanship and collaboration.”
During the first quarter of next year, Team Seychelles will know the theme for the coming year.
Vidya Gappy