Rotary Technology Tournament 2009
The task this year was to simulate the launching of a space capsule into the stratosphere. All teams were provided with basic materials and an air-golf ball to represent the capsule. The Basic requirement was to launch the air-golf ball vertically using a trigger/release mechanism to reach a height of 3 meters and return to earth as near as possible to the launch site. The Intermediate teams had the added requirement of a parachute device to open during descent. The Advanced teams had also to design and build a carrier vehicle for the capsule which would disengage at 3 meters to allow the capsule to descend by parachute.
We were very fortunate to have GB & Leeds Rhinos star, Rob Burrows supporting us during the day. All the students were given the opportunity to meet Rob and have their pictures taken with him.
Daryl Powell, Featherston Rovers head coach, kindly agreed to present the prizes with the support of James Evans & Chris Feather from Castleford Tigers.
The winning team in the Basic category was a combined QEGS & WGH, narrowly beating Outwood Grange.
In the Intermediate category the winning team was Outwood Grange with Castleford High taking second place.
The Advanced category was won by New College with Silcoates runners up.
The winning teams were presented with a trophy, a cheque for £100, kindly donated by WDH, and 4 tickets for a Featherstone Rovers match of their choice donated by Andy Prout. The runners up were presented with a trophy and a cheque for £66 donated by WDH.
Our Tournament in Featherstone was organised by the ‘Joint 7' Rotary Clubs of Normanton, Ackworth, Castleford, Wakefield, Wakefield Chantry, Pontefract and Osgoldcross & Elmet, under the guidance of Rtn. Peter Brown.
We were grateful for sponsorship from Wakefield District Housing, who gave prize money of £500 to be split between the winning and second placed schools.
We had teams from Castleford High Technology College, Crofton High School, Featherstone Technical College, Outwood Grange College of Technology, St. Wilfred's High School, Kings School Pontefact, Kettlethorpe High School, Thomas a Beckett College, Wakefield Girls High, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Silcoates School and Pontefract New College. 20 teams entered allowing 80 students to take part on the day. Each age category designed and built a project suited to their ability.
Thanks
We are most grateful to :-
Andy Prout and all the staff at Featherstone Rovers RL Stadium for allowing us to use their banqueting suite, donating tickets for a match and to Mary for catering for the Rotarians and the students.
Tim Craven, Sharon Hartnett and Andy Melvin from WDH for sponsoring the event and for their support during the day.
Daryl Powell, Head Coach of Featherstone Rovers, for presenting the trophies.
Rob Burrows, GB and Leeds Rhinos, James Evans and Chris Feather from Castleford Tigers for giving their support during the day.
Schools staff. Without their interest and support, in spite of the pressures of the present day curriculum, our efforts on behalf of the students would come to nothing.
Matthew Slater who took on the demanding task of Chief Judge.
Rotarians from the ‘Joint 7' clubs who have put a great deal of time and resources into the organisation of this event, judging and stewarding.
