17 March 2011

Blues and Colours to be recognised

Photo opportunity: 6.30pm on Monday, 21st March at Ustinov Room, Bonar Hall. Professor Pete Downes will be presenting University athletes with Blues and Colours awards.

University of Dundee athletes will have their achievements recognised next week when the annual Blues and Colours Award Ceremony takes place.

Professor Pete Downes, Principal of the University, will congratulate the sportsmen and women on their performances when he presents Blues, Half-Blues, Colours and Merit awards at the Ustinov Room, Bonar Hall on Monday, 21st March.

Sophie Warburton, Dundee University Sports’ Union Vice President Events and President Elect, said the ceremony is one of the highlights of the year for University sportspeople.

'This is the time when the fantastic achievements and commitment shown by student athletes at Dundee are recognised,” she said. “We will be making awards to those men and women who have excelled in their chosen sports, but we will also be taking the opportunity to recognise the efforts and dedication of every single student athlete here.'

To be awarded a Colour, athletes must be a valuable member of the first team and need to serve and play in at least 85 per cent of matches for their club for at least two years. Half Blues are awarded to athletes who have performed well above average for a University first team, and who have been selected for a Scottish Universities representative squad or equivalent.

A Full Blue is reserved for athletes of outstanding ability whose performances have been of an international standard. Merit Awards are presented to athletes or committee members whose service for their club is exceptional.

Individual awards for Sportsman of the Year and Sportswoman of the Year will be made, along with trophies for sporting excellence and outstanding voluntary dedication to club sport

These achievements will be further celebrated at the Blues and Colours Ball on Friday, March 25th. The event, which takes place at the Landmark Hotel from 7pm, will see the Sports Union Club and Team of the Year and Most Progressive Club awards presented.

Over 2000 students are matriculated in Dundee University Sports' Union and display commitment to their sports whilst balancing their academic studies. The Blues and Colours Ball recognises the hours that students dedicate to their club both in an administrative and sporting capacity.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277