Thomas Simpson School, Fort Simpson was the site for the second annual Skills Canada NWT/NU Deh Cho Chariot of
Champions competition (cardboard toboggan race) on Friday, December 17, 2004.
The event involved a total of 75 participants and engaged teams of six in construction of cardboard toboggans from cardboard, duct tape, string, one paper clip, and plenty of ingenuity and teamwork. Some unique chariots were designed and constructed in a two-hour time frame prior to the race. A challenging oval track complete with moguls was prepared and the race was on. Teams were permitted to push, pull, or drag their chariots around the course with at least one student on the toboggan. Design and construction, speed and endurance were criteria for determining the winners of this event.
Local sponsors supported the event. Of the fifteen enthusiastic teams of students entered in the race, the top five teams were:
1. Deh Cho Divisional Education Council
2. K&K Expediting
3. Fort Simpson Beverages
4. Midnight Petroleum
5. Wolverine Air
Click here to view photos of the event
Bragging rights for speed go to Deh Cho Divisional Council whose team included Josh Allen, Byron Blyth, Wyatt Antoine, Emily McInnis-Wharton, and Vince Tsetso.
“The message that careers in skilled trades and technologies was not lost on the participants”, said Guy Barnable, Executive Director of Skills Canada NWT/NU. “Most students had taken part in Skills Canada events in the past and seem to really get the message. Principal Robert Byatt and the staff of Thomas Simpson School facilitated an excellent Chariots of Champions and are to be commended for making this happen.”
The many spectators and team supporters provided added enthusiasm and excitement for a serious but fun-filled race for participants and the community. Remarkably, all but two chariots survived the rigors of the race, which suggests that the design and construction of these cardboard toboggans were carefully considered.
Thanks to our Event Sponsors:
|
First Air |
Deh Cho Divisional Education Council |
|
K&K Expediting |
The Student Council of Thomas Simpson School |
|
NWT Power |
Deh Cho Hardware |
|
Maroda Motel |
TJ's Convenience |
|
Fort Simpson Beverages |
Nahanni Inn |
|
Midnight Petroleum |
Rowe's Construction |
|
Deh Cho Drum |
Wolverine Air |
|
CIBC |
PR Contracting |
|
Burrill & Sons |
|
Gracious thanks also to those who gave their time to help make this happen:
Robert Byatt, Principal, Staff of Thomas Simpson School, Barry Church, Brian Jaffray , Joseph Nayally, and Shane Kwasney.
Participant comments:
"Was really awesome! We should do this every year."
"It was fun. It gives students with hands-on abilities to shine which is positive."
Chariots of Champions Feb. 2004 (Fort Simpson)