NEW Fortress Energy has announced its sponsorship of the World Robot Olympiad Jamaica for a second consecutive year with a contribution of $2.6 million, in what the company says is its continued commitment to education.

The tournament is scheduled for tomorrow, April 27, at the Assembly Hall, The University of the West Indies, Mona.

Under the theme ‘Smart Cities’, more than 20 teams from primary and prep schools from the Corporate Area will compete for the winning spot to travel to the International World Robot Olympiad Finals, scheduled to be held in the city of Györ, Hungary, November 8 to 10.

“Innovative programmes like this that promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) will help inspire and develop the next generation of Jamaican innovators,” said Verona Carter, vice-president of public affairs at New Fortress Energy. “There’s no doubt that STEM will be a key driver to a sustainable economic future for Jamaica. We are delighted to partner with Halls of Learning and encourage young boys and girls to explore this critical field from an early age,” she said.

During the tournament, students ranging from 10 to 15 years will use LEGO Mindstorms Robotics kits to design, build and programme autonomous robots to explore new concepts, new ideas and new technologies that will help build the cities of the future.

Marvin Hall, managing director of Halls of Learning, official partner and national organisers of the WRO in Jamaica, said: “We are grateful for the support from New Fortress Energy and all our other sponsors in helping to host these competitions in Jamaica, and ultimately helping to expose even more young minds to the world of robotics. Last year we had a total of 15 teams participating at the national tournament and we’re delighted that this year, we have a 50 per cent increase, which takes the number of teams to 22. The students have been working very hard; they’re very competitive and we’re gearing up for a very exciting tournament this Saturday.”

Other sponsors for WRO Jamaica include Seprod Foundation, MailPac.com and Mayberry Investments, with donor support from the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Development Bank of Jamaica

World Robot Olympiad is organised in 65 countries over the world with national organisers ensuring that thousands of children and young people worldwide can participate in the robotics competition.