First Georgia Gravity Games Set for October in Douglasville

From City of Douglasville

Google and Georgia Tech are co-hosting the first Georgia Gravity Games, a STEM-fueled soapbox race, which will be held on Oct. 25 in the heart of downtown Douglasville.

“Once again the young, energetic and spry spirit of Google will impact our downtown as they host the Georgia Gravity Games right here in Douglasville. Truly a partnership with Google will always provide education, entertainment and connection with our community, and the Gravity games are no different. Google brings to life the mechanics of STEM (Science, Technology, engineering, Mathematics) in this family fun and competitive event. It will be a fantastic day to come downtown, cheer on the young drivers, and be part of an annual event sure to challenge gravity itself! We look forward to seeing you at this great event,” said Douglasville Mayor Persons.

The Georgia Gravity Games provide a competitive outlet for middle and high school students to use their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills in hopes of creating this year’s fastest gravity-powered car.

Come race day, Church Street will become a downhill race course in downtown Douglasville. Adults are also welcome to participate in the open/adult car category.

Students will race their soapbox cars, starting at 9 a.m.

“Googlers love to give back in the places they live, work and play. Since Douglasville is home to the data center, we look for ways to be a part of the community and provide educational and hands-on activities for students and their families that test craftsmanship and creativity. The Georgia Gravity Games does just that and we look forward to a great event,” said Jason Wellman, operations manager of the Google Data Center in Douglas County.

Google has supplied eight schools in Douglas County with soapbox car kits and local businesses are encouraged to consider sponsoring a soapbox team, Georgia Tech representatives provided technical assistance to teams upon request.

The Douglasville Police Department, the Douglasville Fire Department and the Douglas County Sherff’s offce will participate in a fun run. The local Boys and Girls Club has also registered to compete in the race. The winner of the Georgia Gravity Games will receive a trophy, a medal, Google goodies -- along with bragging rights

Registration will close on Oct. 10. If you are interested in the Georgia Gravity Games, please visit http://www.gagravitygames.com/team-registration.

About Georgia Gravity Games

Google values Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) The Gravity Games, sponsored by Google and Georgia Tech, bring these STEM values to action, promoting a friendly competition full of fast soapbox cars and fast working minds. For more information about the GA Gravity Games, please visit: http://www.gagravitygames.com/home

About Google Douglas County Data Center

Google has had a data center presence in Atlanta since 2003 and constructed the data center complex in 2007. With the computers in the Douglas County facility, Google is able to store and serve large amounts of data, making it possible to provide Google tools and services to users around the world. In 2014 to date, dozens of Douglas County Googlers have volunteered 350+ hours with organizations including Douglas County Shelter, Stop Hunger Now and Douglas County Boys.