Through fun, hands on, team-based competitions, Techathalon participants work together to showcase their budding talents and accomplishments through a series of challenges including Computer Construction (team relay to rebuild a computer), Movie Challenge (team challenge to create and edit an original movie), Puzzle Fanatics (team race to complete three puzzles in math, computer programming and logic), and Journey to Techathalon (team multimedia project documenting their preparation for Techathalon).
During Techathalon, projects are judged on their overall quality, their ability to meet all required guidelines and, most importantly, teamwork and collaborative skills. Best of all, everyone is a winner and receives a medal for their accomplishments. In addition, one Techmanship Award is given in each age category to the team that displays a positive attitude above and beyond what would be normally expected.
Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard will appear and talk to the kids about a number of important topics, including internet safety. "In a world where technology knowledge is vital, the Boys & Girls Clubs are providing computer labs, Internet Safety classes and competitions to children who may not have a computer at home," Goddard said. "They are providing invaluable life skills to our children in a fun and exciting way."
Techathalon was developed in 2003 and designed to help young people in the community gain technical fluency by providing a fun venue to showcase and build their technology skills. Through the sharing of information and ideas, participants maximize the learning experience while making friends and being recognized for their accomplishments. Since 2003, almost 600 Boys & Girls Club members from across Arizona have participated in Techathalon.
"Techathalon is a celebration of the community coming together -- corporations, individuals, and Boys & Girls Club organizations -- to promote kids' creativity and teamwork," said Ebby Sabbagh, one of the founders of Techathalon. "The event also reinforces the 'can do' attitude in kids and encourages them to believe they can accomplish great things by working cooperatively with others."
