Odyssey of the Mind celebrated its 37th annual World Finals at Michigan State University on May 20-23. Competitors brought creativity, camaraderie, and excitement to East Lansing. Audiences watched 847 winning teams present captivating performances they developed using their amazing ideas and hard work.

Teams traveled across the U.S. and from 16 other countries including China, Togo, Mexico, United Kingdom, and Switzerland. While World Finals is a competitive event, it also proves that people from different nations share common interests and goals.

With 450 volunteer officials and over 2,500 coaches, this event proved that generosity and goodwill is alive and well. These selfless individuals worked hard all year and especially at World Finals to provide a great experience for all. Judges, coaches, and team members from around the world really come together as a great big, worldwide family!

Also giving back were the Barrel of Makers Odyssey Angels from Delaware. This year’s group used technology and mechanics to allow disabled students to express themselves artistically.

NASA was also back with its fun classroom activities, E-Theatre, and an exhibit at the Creativity Festival that drew in lots of participants.

It is important to remember that the teams that participated in World Finals represented the thousands of teams that performed in Odyssey of the Mind throughout the year. It is true that every team that solved a problem this year truly is a winner. Congratulations, and good job to all Odyssey teams!