Tired but happy faces and a little yawn every now and then, the second day has begun! The enthusiasm of the kids cannot be spoiled by any tiredness, this is their last day and they are all determined to make it a lot of fun.

Early this morning all the teams were expected at Bodø Spektrum for the presentations. Before the robot games start again they have to show their other skills regarding technology, their creative powers and of course the teamwork. It is definitely going to be an exciting day for them, as it is the grand finale day today.

One of the teams was asked to give their vision on the tournament, and how they have experienced last days. Risbotics, a team from The Netherlands which is hard not to notice with their bright orange clothes and wooden shoes became national champions in their country. Boudewijn ten Cate and Marnie Suer both students of the Regional International School from Eindhoven explain: ‘We have a very international team with 7 nationalities so we really enjoy meeting even more different cultures at this competition’. They expected to be this tournament quite difficult but it has been a lot of fun and they feel both expectations are true. ‘All the competing teams are very good and very enthousiastic’ Boudewijn says, ‘but they are also really friendly and their robots are cool!’. When they are asked what they like best Marnie says she likes the social events, ‘and it is cool to trade all the presents each country brings with them’, the rest of the team adds.

The teams are very happy that is for sure, but what about the organizers?
Per-Arild Konradsen, managing director of FIRST Scandanavia totally underlines this feeling. ‘I am very pleased to see all the happy faces around me and hearing so little complains, the tournament feels great and I am very satisfied with the outcome’. FIRST Scandanavia started the financial organisations October last year and for the detailed planning they have had six very busy months, but the result is definitely there. To the question what he likes best about this tournament, his answer is very clear: ‘Just everything!’. ‘And I found it great to see how talented those children are, some of the theoretical presentations really impressed me’.

Outside of the teams and the organisation there is a great team of volunteers helping out in every possible way. How do they feel about the tournament?

Dick van der Lee and Victoria ten Cate both signed up to help out during this weekend. Their task is to inform people at the information desk. ‘It is so good meeting all the new people here’ Dick says. ‘All the volunteers are being very friendly and there is such a good atmosphere here’ Victoria immediately adds. During their free time they are supporting the team which their parents are coaching, so this way being a volunteer allows them to be part of the tournament and being helpfull at the same time.