[Kings Park, NY] - Area children, ages 9 to 14, are among the record 171,000 children around the world who have risen to the 2010 FIRSTa LEGOa League (FLL) "Body Forward „¢" Challenge. To successfully complete the Challenge, teams of young people must conduct research and build and program a LEGO MINDSTORMS robot to explore one of the most relevant topics facing the world today: how engineering mixes with traditional biological and medical sciences to advance healthcare. Teams will explore the cutting-edge world of Biomedical Engineering to discover innovative ways to repair injuries, overcome genetic predispositions, and maximize the body's potential, with the intended purpose of leading happier and healthier lives. Challenge missions include bone repair, rapid blood screening, pace makers, nerve mapping, bionic eyes, and object control through thought. Through hands-on experience and working in teams, children have a chance to explore a real-world issue to gain an appreciation for and interest in science and technology, and are empowered to make their innovative solutions a reality. WHAT: More than 500 local children on 48 teams go head-to-head, putting eight weeks of research, design, and programming to the test in a regional FLL Championship Tournament to win honors and recognition. The FLL season will culminate with the FLL World Festival at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 28-30, 2011. WHEN: Sunday, March 6, 2011 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ** PLEASE NOTE: In the event of inclement weather, the tournament will be rescheduled for Sunday, March 13. ** WHERE: Longwood High School 100 Longwood Road, Middle Island, NY VISUALS: - Amazing, custom-built robots come to life in fast-paced, timed competitions - Local children and their coaches putting designs and skills to the test - On-site teamwork, troubleshooting, problem solving - Biomedical Engineering research projects on display - Spirit and excitement as students, families, friends cheer for their local teams *Access to and interviews with students, teachers, coaches, mentors and local sponsors available upon request. DIRECTIONS: LIE Exit 66 North (CR 101/E. Patchogue-Yaphank Rd/Sills Rd.) Turn left at CR 101/E. Patchogue-Yaphank Rd/Sills Rd. After 0.2 mile, bear left to stay on CR 101. After 1.1 miles, continue on CR 21 N/Yaphank-Middle Island Rd. Go 1.6 miles, then turn right on Longwood Rd. Go 0.6 mile. School is on the right hand side. ### The Long Island FIRST Regional Competition is run by the School-Business Partnerships of Long Island, Inc. (SBPLI). SBPLI was founded in 1984 by Fred Breithut with the goal of developing partnerships between local high schools and businesses that would provide students with practical experience and curriculum development, while helping the business community develop its future workforce. Over 100 partnerships have been formed since its inception. In 1999, Long Island FIRST was formed for the purpose of developing a Long Island Regional FIRST Competition. In 1999, eight high school teams participated. The Long Island Regional has since grown with 50 teams participating in 2011. On January 8, 2011, registered teams were provided with supplies and the competition's game rules. The 2011 Competition will be held at Hofstra University on March 25-26, 2011. ABOUT FIRSTTM Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRSTTM (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With the support of many of the world's most well-known companies, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge for high-school students, FIRST LEGO ® League for children 9-14 years old, and Junior FIRST LEGO League for 6 to 9 year-olds. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org. To learn more about the "Smart Move" Challenge, go to http://www.usfirst.org/community/fll/. ABOUT THE LEGO GROUP LEGO Systems Inc. (LSI) is the Americas (North America and Latin America) division of The LEGO Group, a privately-held firm based in Billund, Denmark. The LEGO Group is committed to the development of children's creative and imaginative abilities through high-quality, creatively educational play materials, and its employees are guided by the motto adopted in the 1930s by founder Ole Kirk Christiansen: "Only the best is good enough." For more information, visit www.LEGO.com FIRST is a trademark of US FIRST. LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks of The LEGO Group. © 2009 The LEGO Group. # # #