Kickoff

To view the 2010 kickoff page click here

During our 2001 rookie year Team 503 proposed the idea of an offsite Kickoff to Dean Kamen. Since then only two representatives from FRC teams could attend the Kickoff held in New Hampshire. We wanted to give each person from every team an opportunity to witness first-hand, the excitement that FIRST provides. After many emails, phone calls, and long hours of planning, 503 hosted the first offsite Kickoff in 2002 with over 2,000 people attending from 89 different teams. We continue to host one of the largest Kickoffs every year.

At our Kickoffs we invite important people in our community to speak and strengthen the bond between FIRST and our community. Previous speakers include school administrators, government officials, and our own mentors. Every year we provide 7-13 informational workshops, to help develop the necessary skills for the six week build season. We invite college representatives to our Kickoff and they know that this elite group of students will be the leaders of the next generation.

Our Kickoff continues to grow in both quality and size.  Every year, we have a full sized game element that every attendee of our event can examine, measure, and admire.  In 2008, 64 FRC teams attended our event and watched the "Dean and Woodie" show on our large projection screen in our school's state-of-the-art auditorium.  In addition to watching the NASA webcast, our kickoff also features a "Circle of Champions" where teams who have been finalists or higher during the previous year's season show off their robot for others to admire.

Please give us feedback and suggestions for the Novi Kickoff at the Kickoff Suggestions.