Last spring, Alpena hosted its first FIRST Robotics District Tournament at Alpena High School.With great community support, it was a premier event and received recognition and an award from Governor Synder.

Because of the outstanding venue provided by our community, this year Alpena will be the first high school in the state of Michigan to host two FIRST Robotics District Tournament in the same year.

Volunteers are needed to help with these tournaments.

Each event will bring 40 high school teams along with coaches, mentors and families to the area. In addition, volunteers from all over the state are coming to assist with the tournaments. Organizers are anticipating crowds of 1,000 people at both events.

The competition is played on a 70-foot by 30-foot floor in the gymnasium. In between matches, about every seven minutes, the floor needs to be reset for the next match. This involves picking up and moving inflated balls and plastic discs and putting them in specific places on the game floor. The task takes 10 to 12 people. It is easy work, but a person needs to be able to bend over repetitively and lift these light objects. A field supervisor will be on hand to give direction and answer questions.

Those interested in participating in this activity can also use it as a promotion opportunity for their business or service organization. Each field reset team can wear apparel with the business or organization’s logo and be recognized and thanked by the large crowd on hand.

The available shifts are as follows:

∫ Friday, March 22: Arrive at 10 a.m. and work from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or arrive at 1 p.m. and work from 2 to 7 p.m.

∫ Saturday, March 23: Arrive at 8:30 a.m. and work from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or arrive at 1 p.m. and work from 2 to 5 p.m.

∫ Friday, March 29: Arrive at 10 a.m. and work from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or arrive at 1 p.m. and work from 2 to 7 p.m.

∫ Saturday, March 30: Arrive at 8:30 a.m. and work from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or arrive at 1 p.m. and work from 2 to 5 p.m.

To sign up, contact the Alpena Chamber of Commerce at 989-354-4181. For more information, contact Event Coordinator John Diamond at john.d.diamond@gmail.com or 989-464-8822.