Breaking Rubik's Cube World Record with Depaul UK!

Hey guys!

Yesterday, on the 16th June 2011, my sis and I participated in an event which attempted to gather people to solve a Rubik's cube and beat the record of "Most people solving the rubik's cube at the same time at one place". It was a charity event as well as it was organised by Depaul UK which helps troubled teenagers get back on their feet. In this event, just for turning up to try for the record (solving the cube), Rubik's Cube donates £100 per person to the organisation. There're a few catches to the challenge though, we can't start until we're told to, we can't physically help others but can provide them with information on solving and there's a one hour time limit. By 15 minutes many people were done solving! But holy crap within the first 15 seconds some people were already done! @___@

The best part was not only did the event generate a whopping £35000, we apparently also broke the Guiness World Record for having the most people solving the cube at one place and time! The number came to 330 people who solved it which broke the record of 300 which was set in India not long ago. I would say the event was a success!

On a side note, we got goodie bags which had a pen, chocolate, brochure and cardboard which you can shape into a "piggy bank". It was great to see so many people joining the event even if all they wanted to do was solve a Rubik's cube! We also got to keep the cube used in the event. Each of the face had symbols which signifies something Depaul UK was doing to help the young people in need.

 This was the area of the hall they used to set up. Though it doesn't look like it, there are over 300 Rubik's cubes set out!

 Closer view of the tables.

Cube table looks wicked xD There was actually a woman wearing a rubik's cube costume too though I didn't get a photo of her. Hahaha

 Then they told the participants to go down and grab a spot at a table. 

Didn't feel like there were 300 people when we were waiting, but wow!

The cubes were kept in boxes like these.

15 minute mark, many were done and held up their solved cubes and a photo was taken!

All in all I thought it was a very new and interesting experience and best of all, we could help a charity event achieve its goal! I was also quite impressed that for a puzzle that has been around so long, it also brought awareness of this charity organisation which I wouldn't have known otherwise!

Those interested on the faces of the cube I mentioned, I compiled it below (feel free to click to enlarge if it's uncomfortable to read). Quoted from Depaul is this which explains the use of a Rubik's cube in their event: "The Rubik’s Cube is logic and order in action. Follow the right steps, the problem is solved. It’s simple when you know how. Depaul UK works with young people who are homeless, vulnerable and disadvantaged. It’s far from easy but like solving the cube, we help them solve their problems by following a series of enabling steps and showing them the world of difference a positive move can make."

Being part of something like this, I can only describe it as... feelsgoodman.jpg :D

My favourite quote from the announcer was "You can't physically help each other.. but you can give advice and encouragement!" We lol'd at that; to me, if I can't solve a puzzle, having someone going "You can do it!" next to me won't bring me closer to the answer! XD

~Fox