Southern Alberta team advances to 2026 World Robotics Championship

Heidi Echavarria
March 20, 2026
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A team of eight students from southern Alberta is heading back to the world stage. Team ASAP Robotics qualified for the 2026 FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship, taking place April 29 to May 2, after winning first place at provincials. It’s their second year in a row competing among the world’s best, earning top recognition for excellence in design, innovation, teamwork, and community outreach. Our BCN Heidi Echavarria has more.

Heidi Echavarria

Heidi was born in Bogota, Colombia and lived there until she was 18, then she moved to Caracas, Venezuela where she finished her bachelor's degree in journalism. Since 2010 she covered political issues related to the government of former president Hugo Chávez and his political opponents, management, death and transition to a new government. Likewise, Heidi did research, wrote chronicles, reports and news in the social, community, and cultural areas. In 2019, Heidi, along with her husband and three children, moved to Aurora, Ontario where she worked at Teen Challenge Canada. In September 2023, she moved to Lethbridge, Alberta. Heidi also has a diploma in Addictions and Community Health. In 2024, she joined at Bridge City News team as a Video Journalist to produce a wide range of stories including those which are faith based glorifying Jesus Christ.