COSMOTE as strategic partner at the Educational Robotics Olympiad

The Greek mission was organized by WRO Hellas with COSMOTE as strategic partner

The SMARTBIRDS NEXT team from Patras won a Bronze medal and ranked third worldwide (category: “Open Elementary”) granting Greece its 2nd Olympic distinction at the World Robot Olympiad, which was held in Costa Rica.

SMARTBIRDS NEXT participated in the Greek Olympic mission formed in the National WRO Contest of the Educational Robotics, Science and Technology Organization WRO Hellas with COSMOTE as strategic partner. All other 10 teams of the Greek mission received significant distinctions:

The G.R.I.D. team was ranked 7th among Olympic teams in “Open Junior” category, while the BLUE DIAMOND group from Thessaly ranked 9th in the “Regular Junior” category (Junior High School). Further, Minders conquered the 11th place in the “Open Senior” category (High School), and Pithagoras from N. Smyrna ranked 15th in the “Regular Junior” category (Junior High School). The group bitbot3 was among the 16 best teams worldwide in WRO Football category, whereas three more Greek groups finished in Olympiad’s first 50th rankings.

The President of WRO Hellas, Mr. Ioannis Somalakidis, who accompanied the Greek teams to the Olympiad, stated: “On the 10 –year anniversary of Greek students’ participation in the Educational Robotics Olympiad, we leave Costa Rica with significant distinctions and valuable knowledge. By supporting Greek teams’ tremendous effort along with COSMOTE’s substantial contribution, we showcase tomorrow’s scientists. At the same time we enhance the instructors’ work who gain international experience to share with the next generations. Investing in children and knowledge is our biggest asset”.

Mr. George Athanasopoulos, OTE Group Chief Information Technology Officer, highlighted: “The bronze medal and the good rankings won by the Greek teams in Costa Rica, signifies that our children have talent, knowledge and strong appetite for new technology. We are proud that COSMOTE has been supporting this effort of spreading educational robotics over the last 3 years. In OTE Group we believe that our future is inextricably linked to innovation and technology. And we are constantly investing in technology so as to build a world better for everyone. “

Since the announcement of the World Robot Olympiad in March 2017 until the finals in Costa Rica, Greek students have spent an intensive preparation period, during which they have developed critical skills such as team work ability, problem solving, engineering and programming. At the same time, the team instructors-trainers had the opportunity to receive valuable knowledge at the cutting edge of modern global educational and technological developments.

Submissions for participation in the next Pan-Hellenic Educational Robotics Competition to be filed until 31/01/18

Following this significant distinction for Greece, WRO Hellas, along with COSMOTE as strategic partner, continues to support initiatives establishing S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and educational robotics in Greece, through the Pan-Hellenic Educational Robotics Competition for Primary, Junior High and High School children.

Interested teams can submit their participation in the Pan-Hellenic Competition by 31/01/2018 at www.wrohellas.gr webpage.

COSMOTE systematically invests in actions developing young people’s digital skills and education.