VEX Robotics Competition events are only successful because a large group of people volunteer for numerous positions judges, referees, inspectors, announcers, field reset, pit administration, queuing, scorekeepers and all the other positions that are equally important and critical to holding a high quality event. The size, scope and quality of this event was made possible because of the selfless dedication, effort and enthusiasm of hundreds of volunteers from around the United States and many other countries. We acknowledge that some of you put the needs of the event above your desire to be with your team, and for this all those in attendance owe those who did a special debt of gratitude. Volunteers put in long hours and in many cases days, weeks and months of work, with only a few forms of payment desired:
- Witnessing the joy, energy and passion of the teams
- Seeing students engaged and motivated to excel in their education
- Knowing that thousands of participants have had a great and memorable experience
Beyond that, there is one selfish reason everyone in the VEX Robotics Competition puts in all the time they do: to ensure all of these amazing students acquire the education, skills, confidence and motivation to fulfill their tremendous potential and become the problem solvers of the future. In short, to help make the world a better a place for all of us.
To each and every VEX Volunteer, Event Partner, Sponsor and Supporter around the world: THANK YOU SO MUCH for all you have done to make this season and the 2010 VEX Robotics World Championship such an astounding success. You may do this primarily to make a difference for the students in your community, but rest assured you have done that and MUCH more you have made a difference in your region, your country and the world as the VEX Robotics Competition is now a truly global program bringing schools and students together from around the world.
So many students and teachers have told us how friendly and helpful the volunteers were at the VEX World Championship this past weekend and at their local events throughout the season, frequently saying "please thank them all for us". It occurred to me that these remarkable volunteers sometimes do not get to hear directly from the teams and participants for which they are actually volunteering, and how much this should and would mean to them. We have set up a special thread at vexforum.com for this purpose all participants are welcome to share and post their comments to the volunteers, and we hope all volunteers will take a few minutes to peruse the forum to see how much of a difference they have made to so many students. This specific thread can be found at vexforum.com.
In closing, speaking for all of us at the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation, VEX Robotics and Innovation First International, THANK YOU to everyone in the VEX Robotics Community who has helped make this past season such a spectacular success. We know the 2010/2011 season will be even bigger and better, and we can't wait to see you all again.
Warmest Regards and Best Wishes,
Jason Morrella
President
VEX Robotics Education and Competition
