The Mauritian robotics team is currently in Panama, proudly representing the island nation at the FIRST Global Challenge 2025, which runs from 29 October to 1 November 2025. The event brings together young innovators from more than 190 countries, uniting them through science, technology, and teamwork. For the Mauritian team, this journey is more than a competition — it’s an opportunity to celebrate collaboration, culture, and creativity on the world stage.

From Mauritius to Panama: A Journey Across Continents

The team’s journey began with great excitement. After departing Mauritius, they first landed in Paris, France, where they spent half a day waiting for their next flight. Their next stop was Bogotá, Colombia, where they met one of the Colombian participants — a first glimpse of the global friendships to come.

Later that night, the team continued to Panama City, arriving at their hotel just past midnight. Despite the long journey, they wasted no time and immediately began working on their robot, fine-tuning details and running final checks. The room buzzed with energy — a mix of exhaustion and determination, knowing that months of preparation had led to this moment.

Entering the Global Arena

The following morning, the team headed to the Panama Convention Centre, where the event is currently taking place. The sight that greeted them was unforgettable: hundreds of students from across the globe, proudly displaying their flags, wearing national colours, and showcasing their robotic creations.

The atmosphere was both thrilling and humbling. Standing among so many cultures, each sharing the same passion for technology, the team felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Yet, as they began meeting other participants, the tension quickly dissolved. Every interaction was warm, every handshake genuine. Within hours, the Mauritian students had formed new friendships that transcended borders.

A Touch of Mauritius in Panama

The Mauritian pit area — their workspace and display zone — is a vibrant reflection of the island’s identity. The banner features a dodo bird holding a flag, alongside a turtle and star, representing the tropical nature and diversity of Mauritius.

To capture the island’s beauty, the team decorated their space with flowers in the colours of the Mauritian flag — red, blue, yellow, and green. The table is neatly organised with flyers about Mauritian attractions, miniature flags, magnets, shells, and their charming mascot dodo. The national flag hangs proudly above the pit, a symbol of home and pride amid the international gathering.

Many participants from other countries have stopped by, curious to learn about Mauritius. The team happily shares stories about the island’s culture, people, and innovation scene, turning their space into a small corner of Mauritian warmth in the heart of Panama.

Friendship and Collaboration Across Borders

The FIRST Global Challenge embodies teamwork and unity — values deeply resonant with Mauritian culture. Teams from different countries support one another, offering advice, spare parts, and encouragement whenever needed.

The Mauritian team has found its neighbours particularly inspiring:

• Team Peru brings contagious energy, often gathering other teams for group dances and moments of celebration.
• Team Mexico impresses everyone with its organisation, creative setup, and colourful pit design.

The event staff and mentors are also providing tremendous support, guiding teams through technical challenges and ensuring that every participant feels welcome. The collaborative environment reflects the core message of the competition — that global progress depends on shared knowledge and cooperation.

Experiencing Panama

When not competing, the team has been soaking in the sights of Panama City — a dynamic mix of innovation and history. The towering skyscrapers, the world-famous Panama Canal, and the tropical surroundings have made a strong impression.

What stands out most, however, is the warmth of the Panamanian people. Whether at the convention centre or walking through the city, the hospitality and friendliness have made the Mauritian team feel right at home. Panama’s energy — modern yet rooted in tradition — mirrors Mauritius’s own balance between progress and cultural identity.

A Celebration of Youth and Innovation

As the competition continues, the team remains focused, passionate, and proud. They are not only representing Mauritius but also proving that young minds from small islands can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best.

Through the FIRST Global Challenge, the Mauritian students are learning that robotics goes beyond coding and engineering — it’s about teamwork, problem-solving, and connection. Every interaction, every handshake, and every shared challenge strengthens their understanding of what it means to innovate with purpose.

The journey is still ongoing, but one thing is certain: the Mauritian spirit — creative, kind, and determined — is shining brightly in Panama.

Tereza Röslerová – Communications Officer