The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as Team Mauritius proudly took part in the opening ceremony of the FIRST Global Challenge 2025 in Panama. The event, which brought together young innovators from more than 190 countries, marked the official beginning of an extraordinary journey of collaboration, creativity, and technological excellence.

From the very start, the Mauritian team could feel the energy of the global community gathered in the spirit of innovation. The staff were exceptionally kind and supportive, guiding all participants through the process and ensuring a smooth and welcoming start to the competition.

Walking into the arena during the parade of nations was both nerve-wracking and emotional for the team. Representing Mauritius on such a prestigious international stage was an unforgettable experience. The moment symbolised unity, courage, and pride — values deeply rooted in the spirit of the FIRST Global Challenge.

An Inspiring Message from Dean Kamen

The highlight of the ceremony came with the speech of Dean Kamen, the visionary founder of FIRST Global. His words deeply touched everyone present, reminding participants that the competition was not only about robotics, but also about collaboration, problem-solving, and creating a better future through technology. His message of empowerment and innovation resonated strongly with the Mauritian delegation, reinforcing their motivation to give their best both on and off the field.

Teamwork and Strategic Preparation

After the ceremony, Team Mauritius turned their attention to the practice match, focusing on refining their robot’s performance. The team worked on adjustments, assembly, and programming, testing different strategies to ensure the robot performed efficiently in the upcoming rounds.

Maëlys Coiffic and Navish Redini led the strategic planning sessions, collaborating with other teams to exchange ideas and find ways to improve. Together with Hashmi Mulloo, they managed the robot’s assembly and fine-tuning. “It was great to hear the ideas of other students and understand their way of thinking. We also shared ours and learned how to improve them,” the team explained.

These exchanges perfectly embodied the mission of FIRST Global — fostering a spirit of international cooperation and learning through science and technology.

Learning Under Pressure

Working on the robot under strict time constraints offered valuable lessons in teamwork, communication, and adaptability. Every adjustment, test, and modification required coordination and patience. The team learned to work efficiently under pressure, relying on each other’s strengths and maintaining a positive mindset even in challenging moments.

The experience reinforced their understanding of ethical teamwork — respecting others’ opinions, staying focused, and ensuring that every member’s contribution was valued. This sense of shared purpose and respect became one of Team Mauritius’s greatest strengths.

Focusing on Perfection

While the practice day was intense, it proved to be extremely productive. The team prioritised fine-tuning the robot and strengthening its key functions. Although they did not participate in matches that day, their focus remained on improving the robot’s precision, agility, and reliability for the official competition.

By the end of the session, Team Mauritius had achieved significant progress and gained confidence in both their robot and their teamwork. Their dedication and enthusiasm reflected their readiness to take on the challenge and proudly represent Mauritius on the global stage.

Strong Team Spirit and Collaboration

One of the greatest strengths of Team Mauritius lies in their team chemistry and mutual understanding. Throughout their preparation and practice sessions, the students demonstrated a remarkable ability to communicate effectively, support one another, and remain composed under pressure.

Whenever they faced a technical issue or a programming challenge, no one complained or lost focus. Instead, they took every obstacle as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow stronger as a unit. The team members showed maturity and professionalism far beyond their years, always approaching each task with enthusiasm and determination.

Their teamwork extended beyond the technical aspects of the challenge — it reflected in the way they encouraged each other, shared ideas, and celebrated small victories together. This cooperative attitude not only strengthened their performance but also embodied the true spirit of the FIRST Global Challenge: collaboration, innovation, and unity across borders.

As they continue through the competition, Team Mauritius stands as an inspiring example of resilience, teamwork, and national pride.

A Step Forward in Innovation and Collaboration

As the FIRST Global Challenge 2025 continued, Team Mauritius stood out not only for their technical skills but also for their collaborative spirit and resilience. From the opening ceremony to the practice sessions, every moment brought new learning experiences, meaningful exchanges, and friendships across borders.

Their journey in Panama is more than a competition — it’s a celebration of innovation, unity, and the power of youth to build a brighter, more sustainable future through technology and teamwork.

Tereza Röslerová – Communications Officer