In a heartwarming reception at State House, President Julius Maada Bio warmly welcomed the Sierra Leone Robotics Team, who recently returned from their successful participation in the FIRST global robotics challenge held in Singapore. The Commissioner of the National Commission for Children, Mrs. Joyce Tejan Kella, accompanied the team and expressed her gratitude to the President for his unwavering support and encouragement.
Reflecting on the events that transpired in October 2023, Mrs Kella shared that the team was back to present their report and certificates to the President. The FIRST Robotics Competition, which involved high school students building industrial-size robots and competing against other teams, was a challenging yet rewarding experience for the Sierra Leone Robotics Team.
Valdie Valcarcel, a proud member of Team Robotics Sierra Leone, expressed his gratitude to the government for their support, without which their participation would not have been possible. Valcarcel proudly announced that the team competed against over 190 countries and achieved a remarkable feat by securing the 50th position out of 191 countries. In addition, they led 141 countries and stood in an impressive 6th place in Africa.
Valcarcel stated, “Being a developing nation, competing against teams from developed countries and tech giants around the world, we are very proud to secure that position. We are even happy that we ranked higher than many big countries like the USA, UK, Italy, and even the host country, Singapore. We promised to always do our utmost to put our beloved country on the global stage with every opportunity.”
President Julius Maada Bio commended and congratulated the team on their international achievements, emphasizing that their progress was the most important aspect for the government, the nation, and its people. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the team while competing on the international stage, especially against countries with greater resources and established tech giants.
Expressing his gratitude, President Bio said, “I want to say thank you for working so hard. I would like to encourage you again to work even harder so that we can do better next time. You have done a great job. You have made us proud. Thank you and congratulations to the team members.”
The President’s warm reception and encouraging words highlighted the government’s commitment to nurturing and supporting the talents of Sierra Leone’s youths. The success of the Sierra Leone Robotics Team in the FIRST global robotics challenge, not only showcased the potential of the country’s young minds but also served as an inspiration for future generations.
As Sierra Leone continues to make strides in various fields, including technology and innovation, the government remains dedicated to providing opportunities and resources for the youths to excel and represent the nation on the global stage. The President’s praise and recognition of the team’s accomplishments further solidify the importance of investing in the country’s future leaders.
Sierra Leone’s participation in the Singapore competition serves as a testament to the perseverance, determination, and talent of its youths. With continued support and encouragement, the nation can look forward to even greater achievements in the field of robotics and beyond.
