News release

You’re never too old to play with robots

March 24, 2026 - Kelowna, British Columbia
From: Kelowna RCMP

Content

On February 21, 2026, young challengers from the first Lego League Robotics regional qualifier had a couple of special guests, Constable Ian Baird and Constable Carl Kennedy of the Southeast District Emergency Response Team.

The competition which was held at H.S. Grenda Middle School in Lake Country, saw 17 teams made up of 70 boys and girls from all over the Southern Interior for friendly competition, who programmed and troubleshot their way across a challenging archeology-themed problem.

While Constable Baird and Constable Kennedy didn’t necessarily enter the competition themselves (perhaps with a slight equipment advantage), they did however have their tactical robots and drones on full display for all the competitors and guests to see and even try.

“We rely a great deal on the technology of our equipment including robots and drones, and I think it’s very special to see this type of interest and innovation at such a young age,” says Constable Ian Baird with the Emergency Response Team. “There were lots of great questions and really impressive robots, good job to all the teams competing.”

After winning first place at the regional event held at HMS, the “Nelson Nerds” consisting of Eric Bibby and Kasper Breisnes pictured below with the RCMP officers, went on to win the Champions award at the BC / Yukon event March 8 which has secured them a berth to a national event being held later this year.

“It was so wonderful to have the RCMP officers and some of their technology at our event so that the students could see potential career pathways and real world applications of the skills they are building,” Deena McDell, HMS Robotics Coach, Teach-Librarian and one of the event organizers.