Arima, Trinidad & Tobago – The Arima Velodrome was alive with energy and innovation as the 2nd Annual Box Cart Intercol unfolded on Saturday, November 30, 2024, defying intermittent rain while showcasing the ingenuity, creativity, and resilience of Trinidad & Tobago’s youth.
Conceptualized and executed by the Gravity Racing Association of Trinidad and Tobago (GRATT), this pioneering event combines the excitement of box cart racing with the educational principles of S.T.R.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), thus fostering practical learning through innovation.
Under the leadership of GRATT Directors Andre Crichlow, Nicole Johnson, Yvette Livingstone, and GRATT Ambassador Derwin Celestine, nine schools participated in the 2024 Box Cart Intercol, Gravity Racer and Luge classes:
- Arima Central Secondary School
- Barataria South Secondary School
- Blanchisseuse Secondary School
- St. Mary’s College
- Holy Name Convent, Point Fortin
- Presentation College, Chaguanas
- Bishop Anstey High School East & Trinity College East
- Queen’s Royal College
- Fatima College
To complete the project, each school must also submit a written portfolio documenting their vehicle designs, build processes and results from the ramp on race day, by December 6, 2024. As a benefit of engaging in the process, the reports can double as School-Based Assessment (SBA) projects, that all participating students may submit. A panel of qualified teachers will combine scores from these portfolios with the student’s race day performances to determine the final results, set to be announced on December 12, 2024. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed schools will receive trophies, Blue Waters Hampers and internships for participating students, at various industry employers.
While the dedication and hard work of the students was the main focus of the day, the event was graced with the patronage of some esteemed guests. In attendance was:
- The Honourable Penelope Beckles-Robinson, MP for Arima and Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
- The Honourable Lisa Morris-Julien, MP for D’Abadie O’Meara and Minister in the Ministry of Education
- Representatives of the Chinese Embassy, Ms. Zhou Congyu (1st Secretary) and Mr. Zhang Dimin (3rd Secretary)
- Ganesh Rampersad, Project Officer, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Gabre Jesu McTair, Director of Sport, Ministry of Sport and Youth Development
- Representatives of main sponsor Shell Trinidad & Tobago, Ryssa Brathwaite, Shannon Haynes, Kara Auvray, and Chane Gomes
Despite the rain, the spirit of competition prevailed. First-time participants, Presentation College, Chaguanas, took home the Blue Waters Special Prize for Most Resilient Team. Their foam-insulated and fortified gravity racer named “Foamula Prez” ran into difficulty twice, but each time, the team pulled together to make the necessary repairs to keep their cart rolling. This was the sole prize awarded on race day, recognizing exceptional perseverance and determination. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be awarded at the start of the new school term in January 2025.
GRATT continues to inspire future engineers, technicians, and innovators through the Box Cart Intercol, promoting education, teamwork, and creativity on a national stage.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Nicole Johnson
Director
gravityracingassociationtt@
