FIRST Robotics state finals wrap up at the DeltaPlex

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) -- Some of Michigan's most gifted high school students competed at the DeltaPlex this week.

The FIRST Robotics Competition state finals started Thursday, and wrapped up Saturday afternoon. Governor Rick Snyder made an appearance at the competition.

Snyder was honored for his support of the competition, before speaking to everyone at the event. Snyder says, "This is something that is easy to support, when you see the passion in the eyes of all the people that have put in the time and effort, because we all know why this is so important for the students. You are our future and we believe in you and we want to support you with all the resources we can."

Organizers say FIRST Robotics combines the excitement of a varsity sport with hands-on training in science and technology to help high school students discover how rewarding a career in engineering or technology can be.

The competitions involve students developing remote-controlled robots and piloting them in games on the arena floor.

Professional engineers donate time to help students, giving them an insider's view of work in the field.