ATENEO de Davao University (ADDU) feted its top performing sports teams and athletes during its annual Athletes Recognition Program, dubbed as "The night for the Blue Knights", at the The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Saturday evening, March 11.
Futsal players Rick Laurence Inting and Frances Coreen Shane Ostan were respectively named as the Most Outsanding Male and Female Athletes of the year.
The Lady Blue Knights were awarded as the team of the year while Kristine Cloe Timtim bagged the rookie of the year award.
Christian Bandoquillo from the chess team was awarded the senior of the year award while Sam Trinidad of the swimming team together with volleybelle Kath Rosales were crowned as the athletes of the night.
The Blue Knights athletes in various sports events including men's and women's basketball, men's and women's volleyball, table tennis, badminton, chess, swimming, men's and women's futsal were present during the awarding ceremony.
Motivational speaker Joshua Noel Cagas, a former Addu volleyball player and former National University Bulldogs, shared his experiences and struggles before he became successful in both sports and career.
"Being a student athlete is not just a privilege but a responsibility, perhaps, push yourself to your limits and never forget the people behind your success," Cagas said.
University sports coordinator Bemi Garcia also reminded athletes to balance sports and academics.
"First follow your dreams and go beyond sports and education," said CNN sports desk anchor Andrei Felix.
“If you don’t show up, nothing will happen. Become a beacon of magnificence by encouraging everyone with magnificence inside and outside the court,” said ADDU athletics director Noli Ayo.
A special number was also performed by Felix, Sports Development Division-City Mayors Office Michael Denton Aportadera, and University of the Philippines sports director Jose Alther Rivera.