Photo description:

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman tries sitting in the cockpit of one of the entries from the University of Manitoba. It has a Winnie the Poo theme. He was there to give some informal greetings to the teams from all across the country. info from website: The Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race (GNCTR) is the largest student run engineering competition in Canada. Dating back to 1975, this adaptation of the American Concrete Canoe Race brings together over 450+ engineering students from universities and technical institutions across Canada. These students will be given the opportunity to apply and develop their skills in design, technical writing, networking, and management. In February of 2017, Winnipeg will be carrying on the GNCTR tradition of teamwork, sportsmanship, school spirit, and innovation. About the Toboggans Competitors will be asked to design and build a toboggan which can safely carry five passengers. All toboggans must consist of an entirely concrete running surface, a structural frame, a breaking system, and a functional steering system all while weighing less than 350lbs. Teams will be judged on a number on categories including concrete mix design, frame design, steering, breaking, a technical report, race day speed, and school spirit. Teams will not be allowed to compete if their toboggans do not meet the safety and technical guidelines. Feb. 10, 2017