Netherlands volunteer works to honor memory of fellow Mentor

Nine years ago, when Rita van der Lee was coaching FIRST LEGO League for the second time, she joined forces with Doede ten Cate, an enthusiastic and energetic team dad.

"Together, we were a perfect coaching duo.  Nothing was too crazy for us and Doede knew how to look forward and think outside of the box," said Rita.

As Doede's sons grew older, he learned about other FIRST programs, and was especially interested in FTC.  He poured a lot of effort, time and money into getting the first Netherlands teams established and starting a tournament in The Hague.  Rita said his goal was to host a tournament with more than 40 teams and he visited schools and personally made sure they had the materials they needed to compete.

Tragically, Doede was killed in an accident in 2011.

Rita van der Lee

After the passing of her friend, Rita was inspired to help make Doede's vision a reality.  When FIRST Brabant, which is also the FLL partner in the Netherlands, became the FTC affiliate partner this past year, Rita stepped up to help organize the tournament and to work as a Judge Adviser.

"Although it was the first time [FIRST Brabant] organized an FTC tournament, we had experience organizing  the FLL region finals, so I was sure we could do this with our amazing group of volunteers," said Rita.

As Judge Adviser, it was Rita's job to train all the judges.  She was a little nervous because all the forms and procedures were different from those she was familiar with in FLL.  She forged ahead anyway, contacted the judges whom she had never met before, and set up a pre-tournament meeting to give out final instructions.  She knew it would turn out fine.

The experience, she said, was amazing, the teams were enthusiastic and the volunteers were fully committed to making the event a success.

"We have a permanent group of volunteers who show up at all the FIRST events and it always turns out fine," she said.

This year's tournament certainly met Doede's original vision of more than 40 teams at a Dutch competition.  The FTC Block Party! in the Netherlands drew together 48 teams from nine countries.  The best part for Rita was seeing so many young students enthusiastic about STEM learning.  She said she saw the coopertition at work between the teams and how they had fun and learned from each other.

"It is just one, big, happy family.  I always wonder why we have wars when I see these tournaments where all nationalities, cultures and religions mix smoothly and without any problems.  It gives me so much energy," she added.

Rita during the FTC Block Party! Tournament

Rita said she is happy they could realize Doede ten Cate's dream and plans to continue learning and growing with her FIRST family.  She's realized that in a team of volunteers, age doesn't count and you can learn something from everyone, young and old.

"I learn something from the FTC teams, the other volunteers and maybe they can learn something from me."