Union Gas Supports POWER UP(SM) FIRST Robotics Canada with $50,000 Gold-Level Sponsorship

CHATHAM, ON, March 14, 2018 /CNW/ - As the competition begins to heat up, Union Gas continues its support for eight Ontario secondary school teams taking part in FIRST Robotics Canada (FIRST) competitions – STEM inspired events where students, teachers and mentors work together to build robots in high-intensity 'robo-sports' competitions, courtesy of a $50,000 sponsorship. This will be Union Gas' sixth consecutive year of support for the competitions and student teams as a Gold-Level Sponsor.

"Projections for STEM-related jobs are ever-increasing and organizations like FIRST Robotics Canada are helping students realize their potential in this discipline," said Paul Rietdyk, vice president, engineering, construction, and storage and transmission operations, Union Gas. "Beyond STEM, FIRST exemplifies strong values such as safety, teamwork and collaboration; but the most referenced phrase of all is "graciously professionalism", a term that promotes win/win relationships in a way that demonstrates integrity, respect and valuing others.  The values of FIRST are strongly aligned with those of Union Gas and Enbridge."

FIRST Robotic Competition (FRC) is an annual competition where high school student teams raise funds, design a brand, and build and program robots to perform specific tasks, known as 'robo-sports', with the help of volunteer professional mentors. After an intense six weeks build, teams compete in regional events held in several Canadian provinces, then progress to district events and on to the World Championship.

"Union Gas has done an incredible job of engaging its employees in FIRST Robotics Canada initiatives," says Mark Breadner, president, FIRST Robotics Canada. "Union Gas supports FIRST on so many levels including judging, volunteering, and financial support for teams. We're also extremely grateful to have Paul Rietdyk from Union Gas as an integral member of the FIRST Canada Executive Advisory Board."

To view a list of competing teams visit: uniongas.com/about-us/community/partnerships/first-robotics.

About FIRST Robotics Canada

FIRST Robotics Canada, a registered charity, was established in 2001 and incorporated in 2004 with a mission to inspire Canadian high school and elementary school students to pursue further studies and careers in science, technology and engineering. It pursues its mission primarily through offering opportunities for students, working in teams and assisted by expert adult mentors, to build robots and to take part in tournaments which feature on-field competitions, judged awards and other forms of recognition, potentially including university and college scholarships.  For more information, visit firstroboticscanada.org or find us on Twitter: twitter.com/CANFIRST, Facebook: Facebook.com/FIRSTRoboticCanada and YouTube: youtube.com/user/FIRSTRoboticsCanada.

About Union Gas

Union Gas Limited is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with over 100 years of experience and service to customers. The distribution business serves about 1.5 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across Ontario. Union Gas, an Enbridge Company-one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2018-has assets of $8.2 billion and approximately 2,300 employees. For more information, visit uniongas.com or find us on Twitter: twitter.com/uniongas, Facebook: facebook.com/uniongas and YouTube: youtube.com/user/uniongas.

For more information, contact:

Union Gas Limited
David Primorac, Public Affairs
Ph: 519 436-4600 ext. 5002058
[email protected]

FIRST Robotics Canada
Kim Cooper
Vice President, Partnerships
Ph:  416 671-6597
[email protected]

SOURCE Union Gas Limited