'The F1 in Schools Challenge,' which aims to revolutionise technology and engineering in Secondary schools, took place on Saturday, 17 May, at 10am at The Sunzone, Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World.
The team of six boys known as Team Velox, form part of Durban's youngest F1 car designers and creators who won the award for the best engineered car.
The Educor Group sponsored three schools this year in support of technology and engineering in Secondary schools, which was the preamble to the Top Gear Festival to take place this June.
Umlazi Comtech of Umlazi, Durban Girls' College of Musgrave and Crossmoor Secondary School of Chatsworth were the lucky schools who were chosen because of their commitment and passion for creative education.
Crossmoor Secondary, well known for their 100% grade 12 pass rate for a number of years, received the generous sponsorship of R25 000 from Damelin, a division of Educor, to assist them in the competition. This includes the branding of the cars, uniforms, pit stands, portfolio layout and print as well as giveaways for the competition day.
Established in 1943, Damelin has over 105 courses for students to choose from, offering a variety of short and skills programmes as well as accredited Higher Education Degrees and Diplomas. Damelin's vision is to lead and inspire quality private education and training, and this in turn bears testament to the brand's effort in ensuring the access to education is of the highest calibre.
According to the Group Chief Commercial Officer, Nolan Charles, "Damelin has always been actively involved in Corporate Social Investment initiatives and 'The F1 in Schools Challenge', being such initiative, gave rise to the decision to support Crossmoor Secondary. The Crossmoor team showed enthusiasm and dedication from the get go and we at Damelin were confident that their commitment is what produced excellent results."
Team Velox competed against 12 teams and nine other schools from in and around Durban, all in a bid to design and create an F1 car of the future.
In an interview with the principal of Crossmoor Secondary, Mr VR Motheeram, said, "This is the first time that pupils of Crossmoor Secondary are participating in this competition and I am delighted to acknowledge the support and assistance that they have received from Damelin. In the beginning of the competition the pupils together with the help of their science teacher, Mr P Abbu, drew up a sponsorship letter and approached a number of car dealerships and businesses for assistance, but to no avail. When Damelin came on board it lifted the burden off the pupils in terms of funding and added a new dimension of professionalism to their approach on the project. The pupils are enthusiastic about the competition and are looking forward to the event on Saturday. On behalf of Crossmoor Secondary School, I express my gratitude to the Damelin team for enriching the pupils experience in the competition."
According to the Project Manager of the Top Gear Festival Legacy Initiative, Anna Sacks, each school has been sponsored 3D CAD software by Autodesk and the Industrial Engineering Department at Durban University of Technology along with Modena Design Centre Durban mentored and assisted Crossmoor Secondary School with the technical and IT aspects of designing the F1 cars. The Department of Transport - Technology Transfer Centre has also supported the initiative by sponsoring each team with a race kit - which includes four black fusion wheels and axels, sandpaper, screw eyes the vital block of balsa wood.
Together, the aim of The F1 in Schools Challenge is to inspire, empower and educate pupils, whilst providing them with an entertaining twist.
To keep up to date on Team Velox's progress in the 'The F1 in Schools Challenge', visit the Damelin Facebook page; www.facebook.com/#!/DamelinSouthAfrica.
For more information on what Damelin has to offer, contact 0860 326 354 or visit www.damelin.co.za.
