Editor:
I'd like to draw your Sunshine Coast readers' attention to a very interesting and fun event that takes place on March 17 at the Sechelt Indian Band Community Hall. It's the third annual Popsicle Stick Bridge Building Contest, and everyone - elementary school, secondary school, adults, families and teams - is welcome to participate.
March is Science and Technology Month in B.C., a time to focus on the joys and rewards these fields offer, a time to introduce and encourage kids to consider engineering and related professions as a career choice. Canada needs more engineers, technicians and trades. Many jobs in these disciplines are currently filled by workers from Europe and elsewhere. Our youth unemployment is very high, approximately 14 per cent in the 15 to 24 age group, and there's a great need for a skilled workforce.
This bridge building contest is a wonderful opportunity to be inventive, creative and have some fun. I urge parents and teachers to get their kids involved, pick up a bridge-building kit at Gibsons Building Supplies or Rona, and design a bridge. The kits include sticks, paper, dental floss (for cable bridges) glue and instructions. Models, such as boats, airplanes and robots, will also be judged.
On Sunday, March 17, the bridges will be tested and the models on display, along with video presentations and information about the trades and careers in science and technology. There'll be lots of prizes awarded in various categories - for the strongest bridges and also for the most artistic and innovative. Volunteers will be on hand and representatives from UBC and BCIT will provide information about post-secondary education programs.
So tear yourselves away from the virtual world of video games and smart phones and plunge into the challenge of creating an award-winning bridge or model.
Dagmar Nunn, Sechelt
