Could I suggest that an open meeting of coaches be held in Richmond, during
the Saturday morning session of the FRC Tournament (around March 20) with an
agenda and a chance for brainstorming or even just a chance to express
perceived areas needing improvement with suggestions for such improvements.
Also, the successes could be shared and everything can be viewed with an eye
towards how everything meshes with the FIRST vision and FLL team creed. We
have a huge wealth of experience in our coaches, judges and other volunteers
and we have a wide variety of strengths among all of these volunteers. Maybe
we could form sub-groups to bring some projects online. I know Brittany has
said before that we have lots of ideas but ideas take people to bring them
to life.

 

I'd also like to encourage everyone involved in FLL to make a trip to Worlds
one year. They need volunteers or you can just go and be a spectator.
Whatever you do, try to be there for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. The
speakers are terrific and the participants are amazing. 

 

FLL, FTC and FRC are participant sports for the mind. The more you put into
it, the more you get out of it. I appreciate the volunteers and we couldn't
do it without the support of any of them and the team sponsors but all of us
are volunteering so that these kids can be excited about science and
technology. I do think that every child who participates and struggles to
think harder, work better and make the best impression that they can will
become a contributing citizen in their community and country and they will
want to pass on the excitement and encouragement that we are offering them
right now. I always pass on to my kids and teams, something I learned from a
wonderful swim coach, "Attitude, Effort and Focus"--with these attributes
you can be successful at whatever you choose and you can make it Fun!

 

I don't know what Brittany Rose and Ralph Grove think about this idea but
I'd love to hear what they and all of the others who are integrally involved
in making the Tournaments happen have to say. Maybe everyone can enjoy the
break and then decide if this idea might fly.

 

Happy Holiday, Merry Christmas to all,

Ginny Echelberger

 

 

 

 


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