DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD OF NIAGARA
DSBN's Robotics Teams Heading to Houston after Setting World Record at Provincial Championship

Team 1114 Simbotics, a District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) robotics team based at Governor Simcoe Secondary School, is set to compete on the global stage at the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas, April 29 to May 2 following an outstanding 2026 season. To date, the team has set a world -record score, claimed several awards, and is currently ranked fifth overall worldwide.

Held April 17-19 at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre, the FIRST Ontario Provincial Championship brought together nearly 100 teams from across the province, divided into Science and Technology divisions. Competing in the Science division, Simbotics delivered a spectacular performance, earning the top-ranked position and making the first alliance pick alongside teams from Stoney Creek and Scarborough. Throughout the playoffs, 1114's alliance remained undefeated, and set a world high score of 868 points with no penalties. That momentum carried them into the championship final, where they faced the Technology division champions and secured the provincial title in two rounds - marking Simbotics' first provincial championship win since 2022.

The world record performance and provincial championship result are the latest achievements in a standout season that includes top finishes at District Qualifier events held at McMaster (March 20-22) and Niagara College (April 10-12). Over the course of their season, the team was also recognized with three awards - the Autonomous Award, Gracious Professionalism Award and Quality Award - honoring excellence in programming, teamwork and communication skills, and the mechanical construction of their robot, "Simbot Tim."

"I'm really confident," said Grade 12 Simbotics team member, Ian Tapply. "I think we have a really good robot this year and I think we've done a really good job as a team. With the work that we've put into the robot, I think we'll see a good result out there on the field."

The team's impact extends well beyond competition. During the off-season, Simbotics students lead LEGO Robotics workshops for DSBN elementary students and host two weeks of summer robotics camps, reaching more than 600 youth and counting. Team members and mentors also support the broader robotics community by volunteering at events like the FIRST Tech Challenge St. Catharines Qualifier and the upcoming Canada Cup of Robotics, to be held in June at Brock University. These outreach initiatives support STEM learning and inspire younger students, reflecting Simbotics' broader mission to foster curiosity, leadership and real-world problem-solving skills.

Founded in 2003 at Governor Simcoe, 1114 Simbotics has become a leader in the robotics community. Over the past two decades, the team has built 23 competition robots, won 38 regional and district competitions and is ranked fifth in the world for the most Blue Banner wins with an impressive total of 61. Their legacy includes a World Championship win in 2008 and induction into the Hall of Fame in 2012, the only Canadian team to achieve this distinction.

Now, Simbotics will take that innovation and experience to Houston as they compete alongside top teams from around the world at the FIRST Robotics World Championship, April 29 to May 2.

"These results reflect the incredible work happening in our classrooms," said Teri Thompson, Superintendent of Student Achievement and Well-Being. "Through robotics, students are developing advanced STEM skills along with teamwork, resilience, and confidence - skills that will carry them forward into future studies and careers."