A team of Manitoba youth from Miles McDonnell Collegiate students who placed third in an international competition to build a race car to Formula One (F1) specifications was congratulated today by Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson, Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Diane McGifford and Competitiveness, Training and Trade Minister Nancy Allan.

"Our Manitoba students, in collaboration with their Australian teammates, captured third place in a very tough competition and truly showcased the talent and ingenuity we have in this province," Bjornson said.  "On behalf of all Manitobans, I'm pleased to congratulate them for their hard work and much-deserved success."

The team took part in the F1 In Schools world championships in London, England, from Sept. 14 to 17.  Students designed, built and tested F1 racers using cutting-edge techniques, such as computerized virtual wind-tunnel testing, to improve efficiency.

The Miles McDonnell Collegiate team of Crawford B, Stephanie H and Ben K partnered with Scott B and Dean T from Noosa District High School in Cooroy, Queensland, Australia.  As well as capturing third place, their international team, called AC Racing, also received two individual achievement awards for best portfolio and best collaboration.

"The skills the students have learned from this project - creativity, resourcefulness and leadership, along with new technical and vocational skills - will serve them well as they continue to build their experience and knowledge," said McGifford.  "Providing our youth with the opportunity to learn these kinds of high-tech skills will ensure we continue to develop and diversify the skills of our workforce."

"I congratulate these talented students, who have attained the highest level of achievement in the international F1 in schools competition since Canada began competing five years ago," said Allan.  "It shows that investing in a flexible and well-educated work force will help us address current and emerging market needs, allowing Manitoba to compete and excel at an international
level."

More information on the Technical Vocational Initiative in Manitoba is available at www.edu.gov.mb.ca/tvi/.  More information on the F1 in Schools project in Canada can be found at www.team-work.ca/F1/F1Main.html.