Four talented young Barbadians are poised to showcase their ingenuity at the prestigious FIRST Global Robotics Challenge, an international STEM competition that mirrors the spirit of the Olympics. This year’s event, scheduled from October 29 to November 1 in Panama, will bring together high school students from across the globe to demonstrate their prowess in designing and programming robots capable of executing intricate tasks. Team Barbados, led by seasoned electronics and electrical technology teacher Matthew Douglas, has been diligently preparing for the challenge. Douglas, with over 25 years of experience and a passion for nurturing young innovators, praised the team’s exceptional time management and unwavering dedication. The competition will feature robots performing tasks such as collecting and shooting soccer balls into scoring zones, maneuvering larger balls into slots, and even climbing ropes—a true test of engineering precision and collaborative effort. Among the team members is Jean-Pierre Pilgrim, a 14-year-old prodigy from Queen’s College, who has already excelled academically in English, Mathematics, and Information Technology. Pilgrim, an avid computer and gaming enthusiast, expressed confidence in the team’s hard work and preparation. Makai Beckles-Lewis, a 15-year-old from Combermere School, is equally enthusiastic, looking forward to experiencing diverse cultures in Panama. Kurt Hazell, a 16-year-old athlete from the same school, shared his excitement and nervousness about his first international competition. Nathan Douglas, a 15-year-old from The Lodge School, is drawn to the mechanical aspects of robotics, while 13-year-old Christopher Smith from St. Winifred’s School is eager to learn from his older teammates. The team departed on Monday, ready to make their mark on the global stage.