Brian Irvine kicks off Sports Ball
Aberdeen Football Club legend Brian Irvine will attend the annual Sports Union ball to be held tomorrow evening (Thursday, 12 February) at Ardoe House Hotel. The Sports Union ball is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the university calendar and this year will be no exception. The ball will be attended by 470 members of sports clubs, the Sports Union and VIP's.
The ball includes the presentation of University Blues to individuals who have excelled at their chosen sport. This year 18 half and 29 full blues will to be awarded at a Blues Reception before the main ball.
University Blues recognise the exceptional high standard that an individual has reached in their sport. Each club has Blues Standards; criteria that an individual must meet in order to qualify for a blue. The Blues Committee assesses each application for a blue, and awards the accolade to those that they believe to have achieved this high standard. Most of those receiving Blues have represented not only the University at sporting competition but also such teams as Scottish Universities, British Universities and Scotland U21.
Louise Watt, Vice-President Sport said: " The Sports Union Ball is definitely the night of the year, it is the ball everyone wants a ticket for. Of course, the ball is not just about the clubs all getting together and partying, it is where the achievements of our most talented athletes are recognised. The calibre of all those receiving awards tonight has astounded me, they have all given a great deal to their club and also to the University. Every club has performed brilliantly this year and we have no less than 11 qualifiers for the British Universities knock out stages, including Women's Squash who are ranked number 2 in British Universities so they will hopefully get a long run in the knock out competition. Each and everyone of the Sports club members put so much into ensuring that their clubs run smoothly and efficiently throughout the year, so the night really is a big thank you to all of them. "
Five trophies are also presented at the Sports Union Ball, the winners of these are kept secret until the evening. The trophies are:
Allender Memorial Trophy. This is awarded to the "most deserving club". This does not solely take into consideration a club's performance record, but other criteria such as fundraising efforts or event organisation.
Blues Bowl This is presented to an individual who was in their 1st year of University in 2002-03 and who, during that year, made an outstanding contribution to his/her club both on and off the field.
The Centenary Club Presented to an individual or team who excelled participating in a single event.
Sandy Morrison Memorial Trophy This is presented in memory of Sandy Morrison, a groundsman of the University for many years and is presented to an individual who has shown outstanding achievement at their chosen sport during the current year.