Camana Bay’s Gardenia Court buzzed with excitement recently as Dart Minds Inspired sponsored the first Cayman Islands Drone Soccer event, drawing curious spectators and aspiring drone pilots to learn more about the latest e-sport sweeping the globe and the evolving use of drone technology in everyday life.
The demonstration organised by entrepreneur and drone enthusiast Dervon Mckellop, offered attendees a hands-on introduction to drone soccer—a fast-paced, team-based sport where players pilot drones encased in protective spheres while attempting to score by flying past defending drones into a goal. Spectators were allowed to try drone soccer themselves and experience the thrill of drone piloting firsthand.
From left to right, Dervon Mckellop, entrepreneur and drone enthusiast, members of the Civil Aviation Authority team and Glenda McTaggart, senior manager education programmes.
“I feel very positive with the outcome of today as people have come out to see what the game is all about, gain a better understanding of it and to actually try and play drone soccer – which was the goal,” said Mckellop of Drift Enterprises.
“I believe that with more public forums and public engagements, drone soccer will become more accepted and really take off,” Mckellop continued. “None of this could have been possible without the support of the Minds Inspired programme at Dart and Mrs. Glenda [McTaggart].”
McTaggart, Dart’s senior manager for education programmes who administers Minds Inspired, noted the importance of robotics in the community. “At Dart, we are passionate about ensuring that the next generation of leaders are exposed to STEM subjects as well as robotics. So, when this opportunity came about to be a part of the first public showcase to the community of drone soccer, it was an easy decision.”
“The drone soccer programme fits very well with our Minds Inspired initiatives at Dart, as this also encourages teamwork, critical thinking and simply preparing students for the future,” she added.
Education and Training Minister, Rolston Anglin was also in attendance for the showcase. He expressed his gratitude to the team at Drift Enterprises for bringing this opportunity to the Cayman Islands and allowing young people and children to participate in what he called an exciting opportunity.
“I believe in investing in the future and I am very excited about where drone soccer goes in Cayman. I want to encourage everyone here today to stay involved and to get others involved with these initiatives because we as the Cayman community and society need to be at that vortex of the technological revolution, which continues to evolve,” Anglin said.
McTaggart said the event would also not be possible without the sponsors of the Dart Minds Inspired programme: Aureum Re, CUC, Dart Minds Inspired, Digicel, Health City Cayman Islands and KPMG.
Dart media contact:
Bethany Ebanks-Pacheco
Manager, Communications
345-525-5367