Today marked the final official day of Global Finals. The team had finished presenting their two challenges already, so they just learned and relaxed today. We started out the day by supporting the Ledyard Middle School team, The Ninja Cupcakes, as they presented their team challenge to the appraisers. Then the boys participated in a fitness and nutrition challenge call Activation Exchange. They did various activities like rock climbing, jumping, etc., ate a healthy snack and made a pledge. They went to the Innovation Expo to buy souvenirs, trade pins and check out a few more exhibits. After lunch they discovered an indoor recreation center and were able to play billards, ping pong and bowl for a couple of hours. We then headed off to the only Dairy Queen in the area across town. It was our first venture out in the vehicle since we arrived. We enjoyed ice cream in a small park and celebrated Avery's 12 birthday. When we arrived back at the dorm, the boys played in the courtyard together for an hour or so, just fooling around. After dinner, we headed over for the awards ceremony. They showed a video at the beginning of the event and one of the characters in our presentation, Grandpa Edwards (Christian), was included. There were many awards and our challenge was presented last. They aired a very short video to introduce our challenge, DI-BOT, and we were amazed to see the boys' robot in action on the screen. It was the only robot shown in the short video out of the hundreds made. It was another proud moment for the boys! They did not place this year - the appraisers penalized them on a rule technicality that was interpreted differently at the state tournament. I keep telling them that it isn't about winning, it's about learning, doing it without adult intervention and getting better all the time. Their performance the other day was their best ever in six years, and they did it all on their own. We are proud of them!
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