(Fort McMurray, AB - February 28th, 2025) This past weekend, the Syncrude Sports & Wellness Centre was buzzing with energy as it hosted the VEX Provincial Robotics Championship. The event brought together 62 teams from across the region, 11 of which represented FMPSD, and every corner of the venue was packed with spectators eager to witness the top-notch caliber of competition.
Westwood Community High School was a standout force during the event, bringing 10 teams to the championship. Six of the Trojan teams qualified for the playoffs, with five advancing to the quarterfinals and two making it to the semifinals. One of the most memorable moments of the tournament saw an intense showdown between two Westwood teams, 221X (Team Rocket) and 221S, both fighting for a spot in the championship finals. Team Rocket emerged victorious, earning their place in the thrilling best-of-three final on the main stage.
For the championship title, Team Rocket (221X) joined forces with 3388S to compete against two of Calgary’s elite teams—210K and 210Z. The matches were nothing short of heart-pounding. After losing the first match, Team Rocket and their alliance fought back fiercely in the second match, setting the stage for a decisive third and final showdown.
When the dust settled and the scores were tallied, it was a nail-biting finish. With a final score of 32–29, Westwood's Team Rocket emerged victorious! Their incredible win earned them a direct qualification to the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas this coming May.
The excitement didn’t end with the final match. The teams gathered for an awards ceremony where banners and trophies were presented to honour their achievements. The highest honour of the tournament—the Excellence Award—was presented at the very end. This prestigious award is a summation of several key factors, including team interviews, robot design, handling pressure, and sportsmanship.
Once again, Westwood’s 221X - Team Rocket claimed the Excellence Award, cementing their position as one of the province’s best teams.
Not to be overlooked, École McTavish Public High School also sent a strong team to represent their school, showcasing the collaborative and competitive spirit of robotics within the region. Their participation further highlighted the diverse talent pool that made this tournament one for the books.
FMPSD teams certainly made their mark on the tournament, stunning the province with their skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. To say that FMPSD students "showed up" this weekend would be an understatement. Team Rocket’s stunning victory, along with the teamwork and passion displayed across the board, made this an event to remember. Now, all eyes turn to the World Championship in Dallas, where Team Rocket will represent the region on the global stage.
Congratulations to all the teams, and especially to Westwood’s Team Rocket, for an exceptional performance!
For additional information, contact:
Momin Syed
Communications Coordinator
Fort McMurray Public School Division
780-788-8009
communications@fmpsd.ab.ca
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