by Jocelyn Kuntsi, business manager, Manitoulin Metal
M’CHIGEENG – Over the past two years at competitions, FIRST Robotics president Mark Breadner has gone out of his way to make the Manitoulin Metal Robotics Team (FRC6865) feel welcome. Each year, team mentor Allan Davy offered to return the favour by inviting him to visit Manitoulin Secondary School. This year, Mr. Breadner is making the trip to Manitoulin tomorrow, February 6 to support the Island team during the pre-season.
Mr. Breadner, president and founder of FIRST Robotics Canada, works tirelessly to inspire students to participate in robotics and create STEM futures for generations to come. Born in Hamilton, he worked with IBM Canada as a systems engineer and marketing representative. He later became the director of robotics for the Toronto District School Board. He mentored the very first Canadian team in 1998 and was the winner of the Woodie Flowers Mentor Award.
Mr. Breadner is looking forward to meeting the MSS students who are busy building the competition robot for the 2020 Infinite Recharge season. The students are looking forward to talking with the prestigious visitor about the opportunities and benefits of robotics (plus he’s bringing pizza!).
The MSS team has generously been supported this year by a variety of sponsors including, Manitoulin Transport, Microsoft, Argosy, JK Auto, Rumorsquad Gaming, Kat’s Pet Supply, Sheppard and Son and Rezplast. Manitoulin Metal competes at Georgian College (March 6-8) and Nipissing University (March 27-29), both regional qualifiers.
