Norman Henshilwood Rookie Team Apollo24 FTC Team 24091 Shines at National Championship, Gears Up for Global Competitions Cape Town, South Africa – 15 February 2025.

In an impressive debut season, Apollo24 FTC Team 24091 secured third place at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) South African National Championship, held at the Amazon Headquarters in Observatory, Cape Town. Competing against 22 top teams from eSwatini and across South Africa, the rookie team showcased exceptional engineering and innovation, earning the prestigious Design Award.

The Design Award recognizes teams that exhibit industrial design principles through creative and efficient robot design. Judges assess a team’s engineering notebook, CAD designs, and overall aesthetics and functionality of the robot. Apollo24’s innovative approach, detailed documentation, and seamless execution set them apart from the competition.

The Road Ahead: Competing on the Global Stage

Following their success at the national championship, Apollo24 will continue their competitive journey by participating in the Sakhikamva Invitational, organized by Astrovo, at the end of March. This event will provide another opportunity for the team to refine their skills and gain further competitive experience. The team’s biggest challenge yet will be at the South African Open Invitational, where they will compete against 24-30 of the best FTC teams from around the world. This international event will be a chance for Apollo24 to test their skills on a global stage, collaborate with other teams, and further establish itself as a rising force in the robotics community.
“As a rookie team, placing third nationally and winning the Design Award is a huge achievement. We are incredibly proud of our team’s hard work, creativity, and dedication,” said Preston, Apollo24 Team Captain’s Name. “We’re excited to compete in upcoming events, continue improving our robot, and represent South Africa on an international level.”