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Inspiration All Star

Steve Ballard

About

Steve has been instrumental in bringing VEX Robotics to Alabama. In 2011, Alabama had seven registered VCR teams, three of them registered by this All Star. Two years later, he hosted the first VEX Robotics Tournament in Montgomery and a few months after that, nine V5RC teams qualified for the first Alabama State Championship. From there, three made it to VEX Worlds. 

Steve’s passion for VEX has only grown. He volunteers his time as a Super Coach in the Google MOVER program and volunteers as a Judge each year for VEX Worlds. 

He coaches 25 active V5RC teams, and is a mentor, a coach, a friend, an Inspiration All Star.

Award: Inspiration All Star
Year: 2023
Title: Engineering Academy. Instructor
Organization: Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
Location: Montgomery, Alabama
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2025-2026 Signature Event Updates

  1. An Event Partner wanting to apply to host a Signature Event must have hosted events for at least 2 seasons prior to applying. 
  2. Signature Events must use the officially branded award banners for the Excellence Award and Tournament/Teamwork Champions Award.
  3. When hanging field skirts the VEX Robotics logo/brand name can not be covered up on the competition fields.
  4. VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Events may have regional capacity and max per organization restrictions lifted 8 weeks before the event if the event is not full (similar to the process already in place for VEX IQ Robotics Competition Signature Events).
  5. Minimum pit size reduced to 8’x 8’ instead of 10’x10’.
  6. Beginning in the 2025-2026 season, the REC Foundation will collect $10 instead of $5 per team registration on all Signature Events. This is to help offset travel costs for REC Foundation staff to support these larger events.

2025-2026 Signature Event Application Reminders

  1. Existing Signature Events only need to complete the Final Application (due by March 31, 2025)
  2. New Signature Event concepts will need to complete the Initial Proposal by January 31, 2025 and if approved, complete the Final Application by March 31, 2025.
Crowd watches the Signature Event in Minnesota's Mall of America
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VEX Robotics World Championship landscape logo
Teams check scores at VEX Robotics World Championship
App | VEX Robotics World Championship
Teams are responsible for making their own arrangements for travel between Dallas airports and their hotel. Information about ground transportation services can be found on the airports' websites.
Judges observe participants at VEX Robotics World Championship
Volunteer | VEX Robotics World Championship
WE NEED PASSIONATE VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOU TO POWER THE VEX ROBOTICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! Whether you participate solo or with a group of friends, family, or coworkers, you’ll make a huge…