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Robot Takeover!
Robots took over Shawnigan last weekend – 31 of them!
There were no injuries or damage, however, as the invasion was confined to the McClelland Gymnasium.
This was the season-opening tournament for the 2025-26 VEX Robotics Vancouver Island competition, with teams from across the Island beginning their quest for berths at the regional championships, and possibly a trip to Worlds. The 31 robots in action last weekend were operated by 150 roboteers representing 13 different schools on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
Shawnigan’s robotics program was established in 2012. The School has sent teams to the World Championships on several occasions, most recently in 2024.
VEX Robotics has introduced a new game this year: Push Back, which Shawnigan robotics instructor Mr. Paul Doig explains in this video.
“The season opener saw friendly, but intense, competition between all the roboteers,” Mr. Doig explained.
The competition kicked off at 10 a.m., and by the end of round robin play, all three of Shawnigan’s teams were in the top 10, with one sitting in second place.
All three teams also made it through the playoff round. The team of Christian W., Bella Z., Aaron N. and Colin F. posted Shawnigan’s best result, surging to the tournament finals and second place overall after going into the playoffs as the 10th seed.
The quintet of John P., Zoe C., George Q., Zekai L. and Eric H. were given an Amaze Award by the judges for the brilliant mechanical design of their robot. The rookie team of Zac R., Naro G., Brandon H., Oscar F. and Mason S. performed admirably and learned that they have put together a solid robot that is ready to compete.
“It was a fantastic start to the season for Shawnigan Robotics, and all our roboteers will be back at the drawing board to make tweaks and changes as they prepare for the next tournament,” Mr. Doig said.
The next tournament is set for Saturday, December 6 at Gulf Islands Secondary on Saltspring Island.
Go Robots!
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
