On May 24-27, teams from all around the world will compete and bring out of the box thinking to a new level, at the world’s largest celebration of creativity - Destination Imagination (DI) Global Finals, 2017.
This competition will encompass over 17,000 attendees, representing more than 1400 teams, from more than 30 countries, from around the world. Amazingly, eight DI teams from the Comox Valley qualified for Global Finals and this year four teams are going, including the six member, Highland/Vanier Secondary schools’ team ‘Do or DI’.
Team Do or DI will be competing in the Senior Engineering Challenge. The team does not want to give away their secrets but at provincials they created a ‘Tweeting frenzy’ when their 23 gram wood and glue structure held 308 kilograms before collapsing and saving the world. But maybe we should back up.
The Engineering Challenge for 2017 requires each team to present an eight-minute skit integrating: an international issue, a wood and glue structure and the action of placing the weights. Structures cannot weigh more than 26 grams. Points are awarded for lightest structure and most weight carried as well as creativity, integral use of the structure in the skit story, timing and many other categories.
This was the first time for a combined DI team in the Valley, and Vanier’s first time participating in the DI program. The team has been hard at work for the last month improving its skit and structure (a new one must be built for each competition) as well as fundraising. The team recognizes this trip is a privilege and team members Lucy, Delwyn, Wil, Matthew, Madeline, and Piper are raising $9,400 to cover 100 per cent of their travel, accommodation, entry fee and meals. They see this as an opportunity that may open doors, whether that is scholarships or inspiration to do something great in this world. No matter how they place, they will be gaining an incredible experience that will be remembered for the rest of their lives.
To date, the team has raised over 75 percent of the total costs. Team members are amazed and grateful for all the business and community support they have received through donations and their fundraising activities.
To help, you can donate your refundable bottles and cans please use the following accounts for ‘Destination Imagination Do or DI’- Comox Return Centre #299 and Courtenay Return-It Depot #467, and watch for them grocery bagging at the Crown Isle Thrifty’s, June 10.
For more information, or if you are interested in helping Team Do or DI reach their fundraising goal; you can support the team online through their GoFundMe page at: https://www.gofundme.com/di-global-finals-engineering-sd71 or please contact their fundraising coordinator, Angela Spooner, at spoocoux@gmail.com.