Thomas Simpson High School was the site for our 2004 Chariot of Champions Competition (cardboard toboggan race). This event was held in conjunction with the Mackenzie Regional Youth Conference February 25 –27, 2004 at Thomas Simpson High School in Fort Simpson.
The chariots were designed and constructed in a two hour time frame prior to the race at 12:00 pm on February 25. With pencil and paper for drawings, 2 sheets of cardboard, duct tape, a 12 foot piece of rope, string, a paper clip and a lot of ingenuity and teamwork, some amazing chariots were constructed for the race!
Ten teams, four student per team entered the race:
Thomas Simpson School, Fort Simpson– Storming Normans
Mezzi Community School,Wha Ti - Hey Willie
Thomas Simpson High School, Fort Simpson- The Crickets
P.W. Kaeser High School - Fort Smith
Deh Gah, Fort Providence – MACK 1
Lutsel K'e Dene School, Lutsel K'e – Spruce Moose
Deninu , Fort Resolution – Hat Rez
Thomas Simpson High School, Fort Simpson– 666Bompass
Charles Yohin School, Nahanni Butte– Skull Heads
Thomas Simpson High School, Fort Simpson – Ichiban
Click here to view photos from the event.
A challenging circular track was prepared and the race was on! Teams of four were allowed 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 in this event.
The many spectators and team supporters for this event provided the added enthusiasm and excitement for a serious but fun filled race for the participants and the community. Every chariot survived the rigors of the race which suggests that the design and construction of these cardboard toboggans were carefully considered.
The winners of the Chariot of Champion Race were:
Thomas Simpson High School – Storming Normans
Lutselk'e - Spruce Moose
Deh Gah - MACK 1
Bragging Rights for Speed:
Thomas Simpson High School - Storming Normans
Wha Ti - Hey Willie
In summary, Thomas Simpson High School facilitated an excellent youth conference. We had great weather, a wonderful opportunity to work with the students at this conference, and to share in their enthusiasm and excitement with this event.