OXFORD, AL — The City of Oxford will host the second annual Calhoun County Robotics Tournament on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the CREATE Technology and Innovation Center.
The event will begin with a special ceremony at 9:00 a.m., followed by the start of competition at 9:20 a.m. Students from across Calhoun County will participate in the tournament, which is designed to highlight skills in robotics, teamwork, and problem-solving. Registration for the event was offered at no cost to participating students.
The competition will feature two divisions based on grade level. The V5RC Division is open to students in grades 7 through 12, while the IQ Division includes students in grades 5 through 8.
At the high school level, teams will compete in the VEX V5 game “Push Back,” which challenges participants to maneuver robots to push blocks into designated goal areas, control zones, and park within alliance zones. Elementary and middle school teams will compete in the VEX IQ game “Mix and Match,” where two-robot alliances work together in coordinated gameplay.
Oxford has continued to expand its role in hosting robotics competitions, recently serving as the site for its seventh consecutive VEX Robotics event. These competitions provide opportunities for students to qualify for regional championships and gain hands-on experience in engineering and technology fields.
Mayor Alton Craft emphasized the broader impact of the event and the city’s investment in workforce development initiatives.
“I and the city council are proud to assist and support bringing these unique opportunities to our local students,” Craft said. “This goes well beyond being just a competition. This encourages new career pathways with new technologies and, with the addition of the CREATE Workforce Development Center, helps to ensure our students have the tools and experience they need to have access to good, high-paying jobs – many of which are becoming more available here at home with our expanding industrial landscape.”
Craft also noted the regional benefits of such events, adding that collaboration across communities strengthens efforts to attract new industries.
The tournament is expected to bring together students, educators, and community members for a day focused on innovation, education, and future workforce opportunities.
