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
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