02 Jul July 16 Is “Robotics Is A Sport” Day — A Global Holiday Celebrating the World’s Most Important Sport

Manchester, NH, July 2nd, 2025 — FIRST Global, the nonprofit advancing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through hosting the world’s largest robotics competition, is proud to announce the establishment of a new global holiday: Robotics Is A Sport Day, to be celebrated annually on July 16th. This day honors the anniversary of the Opening Ceremony of the inaugural 2017 FIRST Global Challenge in Washington, D.C.—the moment when the sport of robotics truly went global.

For nearly a decade, FIRST Global has united youth from over 190 countries through the sport of robotics, empowering the next generation to solve the world’s greatest challenges through STEM, innovation, and teamwork. From refugee camps to national stadiums, robotics has grown into a true global sport—one that requires mental agility, physical skill, strategic thinking, and above all, the spirit of collaboration.

Dean Kamen, famed inventor and founder of FIRST Global, said, “Robotics is just as much fun as any other sport, but it can change your life. We get the best of what we celebrate—so let’s celebrate science and technology and give every kid on this planet that opportunity.” Kamen continued, “The world is in desperate need of solutions to its problems. We have to create the next generation of problem solvers and give them the vision, courage, and skill sets to want to work together to solve those problems.”

On September 25, 2023, Belize made history by becoming the first country in the world to declare robotics to be an official sport. In the government of Belize’s statement announcing this decision, the country’s Minister of Youth and Sport wrote, “By recognizing robotics as a sport, Belize is demonstrating its commitment to innovation and providing young people with the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century.”

Just seven months later, Indonesia became the second country in the world to make this declaration after the National Olympiad Committee recognized robotics as an esport. This global holiday aims to fuel that momentum, encouraging nations to grant robotics athletes the same recognition and support given to traditional sports.

How to Celebrate Robotics Is A Sport Day:

• Teams around the world will host community demos, STEM workshops, and public showcases of their robots.
• Students, educators, and supporters are encouraged to sign FIRST Global’s petition supporting robotics being declared an official sport in their country (here). They are also encouraged to share stories and photos on social media using #RoboticsIsASport to inspire others to join the movement.
• Governments and organizations are invited to formally declare robotics a sport in their own countries.

The Real Impact: Stories from the Frontlines of the Sport

Around the world, the sport of robotics is transforming lives. In South Africa, students and mentors launched a nationwide campaign to found 100 new robotics teams in just one year, turning remote schools into hubs of innovation. In Venezuela, robotics has become a symbol of hope and resilience amid political instability—with 2023’s winning team returning home to cheering crowds and national pride. In Honduras, youth from vulnerable communities are discovering new futures through their team’s bond and mentorship. In Ethiopia and Eritrea, students are proving that collaboration through robotics can bridge divides and unite communities once separated by conflict. These stories—and many more—are why the world needs Robotics Is A Sport Day.

Join the celebration and learn how to get involved at first.global/sport.

About FIRST Global
Founded by famed inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST Global is a U.S.-based nonprofit that inspires leadership and innovation in youth worldwide through the sport of robotics. The annual FIRST Global Challenge is the world’s largest international youth robotics competition, uniting teams from nearly every nation in collaborative competition around pressing global issues.

Press Contact:
Matt Stalford
Director of Communications, FIRST Global
press@first.global
https://first.global