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Now it’s Alex Moncrieff OAM!
It’s with great pleasure that we announce AIPP Board Member and icon Alex Moncrieff has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for service to Pedal Prix at Coromandel Valley Primary School and the event itself.
“It’s a truly wonderful award for Alex,” said AIPP Chairman Andrew McLachlan, “and I am sure you will all join me in congratulating Alex on the fantastic award. Alex has been with the Pedal Prix from the start, and this is an honour he fully deserves. The Board, and the broader Pedal Prix community, congratulate Alex on this grand achievement, and we hope he stays with us for many more years to come.”
We caught up with Alex this week, and between smiles he shared his thoughts on the Pedal Prix – why he’s involved, where the sport has been, and, most importantly, where Pedal Prix is heading.
Alex: “I’ve always believed if you have skills, they should be passed on to younger generations. As a lad I learnt to use tools with my father in his shed, then as a young apprentice knowledge and skills were passed on to me by the tradesmen I worked with and my lecturers at trade school.
“In my working career I have enjoyed passing on my knowledge to two young apprentices who worked under me and seeing their skills improve to become first class tradesmen.
“In volunteering to work with the students at Coromandel Valley Primary school and assisting them to build their own vehicles, I’ve been able to give them some knowledge of tools and a taste of technology to whet their appetites as their studies continue.
“The Pedal Prix programme has so many links to their education and life skills while providing a fun physical activity that is needed in this day and age. as well as providing a strong focus, particularly through teenage years.
“Team-work and co-operation, physical fitness and stamina, problem solving, lateral thinking, report and letter writing, maths, nutrition, road safety skills, are some of the elements they cover whilst having fun.”
Alex, of course, is a proud Coromandel Valley man, and he couldn’t help but give a big shout out to his team and his family.
“Coro's year 7 students construct a human powered vehicle during the first 3 terms and then get to trial it against others in a 24hr endurance race in September, where over 225 other vehicles will all be on the circuit together competing in 4 age categories.
“Also, I’m elated that over the past 20 years, Coro students have won eleven placings in Design & Construction, ten placings in Presentation, two Innovation Awards and two Best Team Awards with the 22 all-new race vehicles they have built.
“Over the years I’ve been involved, I’ve had enormous support from my wife Carol (who is an SSO at Coro), and from my son Alex, who is now a teacher. Coromandel Valley Primary School, Principals, teachers, parents and students have fully embraced the Pedal Prix programme where it is a feature for year 7 students.”
So, sure, Alex has been involved with the Pedal Prix since its first year – would he have liked it as a kid?
“If Pedal Prix had been available when I was a young lad I would have been in it with my ears pinned back,” he smiles.
“I joined the Board of the Australian International Pedal Prix in 1995 to help ensure this valuable activity not only continues, but also grows to encompass more of our young people.
“My voluntary roles on the board have included all aspects of planning and preparation of venues for competition, writing rules and specifications, writing event manuals, scrutineering of vehicles, coordination of trophies and awards.
“The Board has had for many years a stable group of like minded members who all dedicate their time and efforts to present the best possible events for our young people.
“I am particularly proud that one of my current roles with the Board is working with the other States in the formulation of national rules and specifications, which will encourage more teams to compete Interstate.
“I accept this award in the name of all the people (most of them volunteers) who over the years have worked hard to not only support but also to ensure we have a world class event and support our young people in their endeavours. I also thank those who felt I was worthy of and also supported my nomination.”
So, does the Pedal Prix keep our very own OAM recipient young?
“Well, I enjoy working with young people. I would like to believe it keeps you young, but really I think it stops you from taking yourself too seriously and gives you a focus in your life other than yourself.
“And, on the topic of being young, finally, I’d like to thank all the kids who have helped me enjoy Pedal Prix!”
Let’s take a moment to turn that around. It’s time we officially thanked Alex for his tireless work and contribution to our sport.
Alex Moncrieff OAM, we salute you! |
