FISU Executive Committee Member Martin Doulton visited him in Australia carrying with him the warmest wish from FISU President Leonz Eder and all the FISU Family.
“I had a lot of fun visiting Alf as usual” said Martin Doulton with a smile in his voice. “We always take a selfie when we meet and have a good chat. He was very pleased to receive FISU’s letter and said he will put it above the letters from the King of England, Australia’s governor general and prime minister (laughs).
He told me he goes to hydrotherapy twice a week and to the gym three times, I so gave him a FISU T-shirt as he wants to promote the movement when he trains! He is a living proof that a healthy active lifestyle has no age limit. He is keen to hear about FISU events as he still hopes to get to one again in the near future, subject to medical advice!”
Alf Lazer’s half-century journey at FISU has been an essential part of his lifelong commitment to university sport.
As far back as during WWII, he joined Melbourne University Athletic Club (MAUC) as a track-and-field athlete, then became a team captain and club stalwart. Later dedicated more than 60 years to his club as secretary, treasurer and, finally, president for 31 years; he was also manager of Australian university sport on a national level. In 1956, Alf Lazer was honoured of bearing the torch of the Melbourne Olympics.
His first acquaintance with FISU dates from 1973: he then travelled to his first Universiade in Moscow as the Australian team official. Ten years after, his remarkable experience, leadership qualities and enthusiasm aided him in being elected to FISU Executive Committee as the auditor (1983-1991) and assessor (1991-1999). In addition to his involvement in the EC, he also chaired the Technical Committee for squash (2000-2007), and was a member of the Brisbane 1987 Bidding Committee.
Alf Lazer's many fisu events
For his outstanding devotion to sports, Alf Lazer received a Gold Medal from the University of Melbourne, and then the Order of Australia from the Federal Government in 1985.
In 2013, FISU recompensed Alf Lazer with Jean Petitjean Award for outstanding services to the FISU community. In 2014 he was awarded World Fair Play Diploma by the International Fair Play Committee.
A great inspiration for future generations
Despite the geographical distance and lately his respectable age, Alf Lazer never missed any important FISU sports or educational events and attended all the editions of the Universiade as the Australian delegation official since 1973 while he still could.
He created the legendary Charles Wenden Race, during which members of the FISU Family competed against each other during events, and always organised it with great care. He has kept himself fit and healthy into old age with daily exercise, a healthy diet and a balanced lifestyle. He totally embodies the principles that FISU have been promoting for several years in the FISU Healthy Campus Programme!
“I fondly remember visiting Alf at his home in Melbourne, said FISU President Leonz Eder. “The beautiful garden with its many fruit trees, and his large collection of memorabilia from all kinds of FISU events.”
If 20 September is the International Day of University Sports, then the 21 November is the International Day of Alf Lazer! Another great reason for all the university sports movement to celebrate.
Written around the research and biography by FISU Head of Heritage Lidia Lesnykh
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