It was a high-energy weekend at NC’s Welland Campus, as more than 1,000 students, parents, mentors, and supporters from across Ontario and the USA converged for the FIRST Robotics Ontario District Competition, March 8-9.
Students in grade nine through 12 flexed their technical, problem-solving and teamwork skills as their robots battled to be the best in show. The competition was fierce, with students demonstrating excellence in STEM and great promise for careers in technology and trades.
Competitors included three teams from Niagara: DM High Voltage from Denis Morris Catholic High School, Simbotics from Governor Simcoe Secondary School, and independent team, Quickstrike, who are mentored by the Niagara Robotics Association and sponsored by NC’s Research & Innovation division.
The spectacle was attended by Regional Chair Jim Bradley, Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin, Pelham Councilor Wayne Olson, St. Catharines Councilor Bruce Williamson, Jim Larouche from MP Vance Badawey’s office, and Welland Mayor Frank Campion, who gave remarks at opening ceremonies.
President Sean Kennedy gave competitors and spectators a warm NC welcome in the Simplii Financial Athletics Centre, and announced a new scholarship for First Robotics competitors.
“It is my sincere pleasure to announce that Niagara College will provide five scholarships in the amount of $1,000 for First Robotics Canada participants here today to study with us!”
To be eligible, students must enter Niagara College in the 2025-26 or 2026-27 school years in any program in our Schools of Technology or Trades, and have an average of 75 per cent or higher.
Dr. Nantel, Vice-President of Research, Innovation & Strategic Enterprises and long-time supporter of First Robotics, served as Judge Advisor. Bringing the competition to NC had been a longtime dream delayed by the pandemic.
On Sunday, as the energy surged for playoffs, Dr. Nantel, addressed the talented group of competitors, and thanked NC students and volunteers – under the leadership of Volunteer Coordinator Janet Allan, who is also a member of NC’s Board of Governors member – for making the weekend such a success.
At closing ceremonies, Allan was presented with an Ontario Volunteer Appreciation Award, recognized for having volunteered with FIRST Robotics for over 20 years.
“Janet’s journey started as a proud parent of a student on a rookie team where she witnessed the power of FIRST in person and became a fierce advocate for the program; travelling to events near and far and always spreading the message of FIRST through the community,” said Jaeleen Koscielski, Volunteer and Alumni Manager with First Robotics. “She looked to get more involved and to give back to the program by becoming a judge. And when FIRST came to Niagara College, she stepped up immediately to be the event’s co-Volunteer Coordinator. For decades of service to FIRST and for always printing nice bound copies of the game manual, congratulations to the 2025 Niagara College District Volunteer Appreciation Award winner, FIRST Canada alum, Janet Allan!”
Competitors are welcomed back to NC for Spring Open House on Saturday, March 29.
The event was led by NC’s Community Relations and Events team – with support from the office of the Vice-President, Research, Innovation, and Strategic Enterprises, Ancillary Services, Chartwells, NCSAC, ITS, Athletics & Recreation, School of Trades, FMS, Marketing and Student Recruitment, Campus Safety and Parking Services, and Communications – who collaborated with First Robotics Canada over many months to ensure the competition was a success.
In the news
Niagara This Week covered the event: Robots take over Niagara College athletics centre.
