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SSIS Hosts Vietnam’s First VEX Robotics Scrimmage of the Year

SSIS Hosts Vietnam’s First VEX Robotics Scrimmage of the Year
Tanya Olander

Bringing together 27 teams from international schools and robotics programs from Ho Chi Minh City, SSIS hosted Vietnam's first VEX Robotics VRC scrimmage of the season, showcasing a blend of technological innovation and collaborative spirit.

For many of the participants, the October 5 scrimmage was the first-ever taste of VEX Robotics and an important stepping stone that allowed them to test their robots in live gameplay and experience a genuine competition format. 

Welcoming New Teams to the VEX Community

“We are very excited to be hosting the first event of the season in Vietnam. I really enjoy introducing new teams to VEX, bringing together the community, and giving students the opportunity to learn, grow, and share their robotics knowledge,” noted VEX Robotics coach Phú Hua, who has made a significant impact on the program at SSIS since he began leading it in the fall of 2023. SSIS has also integrated the beginning VEX program "VEXGO" into the Grade 5 elementary school curriculum and is offering "VEXIQ" as an after school activity in elementary school. 

The excitement was high as 27 teams faced off in the SSIS auditorium.

Throughout the day, the teams, representing SSIS, Lawrence S. Ting School, British International School, Panda Robotics Club, Vietnam Australia School, Pennsylvania American International School, Singapore International School, and EMASI, were randomly paired with other teams and engaged in at least four qualifying matches. 

Off the main playing field, one of the SSIS high school teams checks their robot.

Refining their strategies as they went, a normal part of VEX, everyone improved notably as the day progressed, particularly after returning from the mandatory lunchtime break. Robotics takes energy!

SSIS Teams Triumph in Thrilling Championship Final

At the end of VEX competitions, alliances are formed, and the event’s thrilling final round featured a unique pairing of an SSIS middle school and a high school team facing off against a middle/high school combo from Panda Robotics. Although Panda Robotics secured the win in the first of three matches, the SSIS team rallied to win the next two matches, clinching the title of tournament champions.

“I enjoyed seeing many new teams at the scrimmage, and I’m looking forward to future events getting bigger over time,” shared Ha Trung, Grade 11, who also offered ideas on continued enhancements. “I’d like to see more elements of the field being used in the next tournament, like more scoring on the wall stakes and hanging from the ladder.”

This SSIS middle school-high school team alliance took home the title, winning the championship!

Regardless of their final standings, all the teams gained valuable insights and heightened enthusiasm for the upcoming season, after a day that fostered an environment of learning, collaboration, and friendly competition – setting an inspiring precedent for future VEX Robotics events in Vietnam.

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