BC's Boucherie Bears win big, book ticket to global robotics tournament

The Boucherie Bears Robotics team has made it over the hump and will now head south to represent Canada on the international stage, but they need public support to get there.

Based out of Mount Boucherie Secondary School (MBSS) in West Kelowna, the Bears secured their spot with a tournament win at the FRC Canadian Pacific Regional Competition in early March.

The Bears went to Victoria with revenge on their minds after falling short in last year’s competition and came out with a banner, securing a spot at the FRC World Championship in Houston next month.

“Their outstanding performance in this competition reflects the accumulation of months of hard work, perseverance and unwavering determination,” said Kelowna West MLA Ben Stewart in a recent parliament sitting.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported the Mount Boucherie Bears Robotics team in their journey.”

The team has established a fundraising goal of $30,000 to cover airfare, registration and other necessary expenses to attend the world championship.

So far, the Bears have raised nearly $2,200 on GoFundMe toward their goal.

“We're thrilled to be the only Canadian team to have made it to the finals and win at our competition, and proud to be the only team representing Western Canada at this global event from April 17-20,” the team wrote in an email.

While the Bears will be entering new territory this season, they have been confident as they worked on their robot.

“I feel this is our best robot as of now, we have put the most money and effort into this year's robot … upgrading wheels and we've switched over systems to a new frame type and I have good hopes for our competition this year,” said Simon Telfer to NowMedia in February.

More information about the team can be found online at this link and donations can be made online at this link.