MARCY — SUNY Polytechnic Institute will join the international program FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in hosting teams from around the New York State in regional robotics championships Jan. 16 and 17.

The championships will be held at the Wildcat Field House at SUNY Poly, 100 Seymour Road. All events are free and open to the public.

The weekend championships are the culmination of three qualifiers held in November and December throughout the state and hosted by SUNY Poly.

“We applaud all the teams that have advanced to the championship round and wish them the best of luck,” SUNY Poly President and CEO Dr. Alain Kaloyeros said.

The weekend championships at SUNY Poly will bring together the top teams in FIRST LEGO League (FLL) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) divisions.

On Saturday, Jan. 16 FLL teams made up of children ages 9-14 will collaborate on robot designs using LEGO Mindstorms as they compete in this year’s “Trash Trek” challenge to solve real-world problems associated with refuse and recycling.

On Sunday, Jan. 17 FTC teams comprised of students aged 14 and up will participate in the “RES-Q” Challenge.

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