Media Release

May 15 2009

UniSA gives Pedal Prix a push

The University of South Australia is signing on as a lead sponsor for one of South Australia’s most popular school activities, the Australian HPV (Human Powered Vehicle) Super Series.

Known to many South Australians as the Pedal Prix, the annual series of events is designed to develop competitors’ teamwork, technological and engineering skills, enterprise and fitness and health.

UniSA’s Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Høj says the Australian HPV Super Series is a perfect fit for the University.

“The Super Series encapsulates so many of UniSA’s core values around education, the development of sustainable communities, healthy lifestyles, communication and teamwork, and research and innovation,” Prof Høj says.

“It gives young people a chance to get involved in something at an important developmental time in their lives – a time when the experience of building, designing, testing and developing a human-powered vehicle and competing with their machine can make an enormous difference to how they view their future careers.”

The sponsorship will also present opportunities for competing school teams to become involved with UniSA students studying engineering, education, event management and a range of other degree programs.

“This is a two-way street,” Prof Høj says.

“Students from the University who get involved with the UniSA Australian HPV Super Series will gain valuable real world experiences in technological problem-solving and communications and the school students will have access to university level expertise in a range of important areas.”

The UniSA Australian HPV Super Series involves more than 500 teams of school students each year from upper primary right through to senior high school and independent teams passionate about excellence in the development of human-powered vehicle technology.

The event attracts more than 35,000 spectators to the Murray Bridge 24-hour endurance race in September and significant crowds twice a year at the Victoria Park track.

“We are delighted with this important opportunity to support young South Australians from right across the State,” Prof Høj says.

“It also builds a strong theme for UniSA in promoting the notion of healthy, sustainable activities and a greener future for our community, which we do now through our sponsorship of the Tour Down Under and the Tour Down Under Kid’s Challenge, and hope to extend with the HPV Super Series.”

Chairman of the UniSA Australian HPV Super Series, Andrew McLachlan, says the support of the University will provide a valuable boost to the growth of the popular series.

“These events have been running for more than 20 years and grown on the sheer strength of the popularity and the enjoyment and learning competitors get out of the experience,” he says.

“I am absolutely delighted that UniSA is supporting the Series as it sets its sights on expanding and offering more opportunities for young people, families and groups to become involved in an exciting sport that offers the right sort of challenges for both the mind and body.”

The first event in this year’s super series calendar will be held at Victoria Park Race track in Adelaide this Sunday May 17 from 9.30 am.

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