"STARTING isn't hard; sustaining it becomes a challenge." These words resonate deeply when looking back at a decade of the Night of the Blue Knights, Ateneo de Davao University's premier annual tribute to student-athletes from Higher Education who exemplify the Ignatian values of excellence, integrity, and fortitude both on the field and in the classroom.
Now in its 10th year, the Night of the Blue Knights, held June 14, 2025, at the Arcadia Event Center, has evolved from a simple awards ceremony into a lasting legacy that celebrates student-athletes who embody excellence not only in sports but also in academics.
Sustaining the Night of the Blue Knights has been a remarkable achievement by the AdDU College Sports Office, reflecting the university's steadfast commitment to holistic education. While many similar programs fade over time, this tradition has thrived, underscoring Ateneo de Davao's belief that sports and academics go hand in hand in forming individuals who are strong in faith and purpose.
What sets this night apart is its emphasis on the whole person. Award categories focus not merely on performance statistics or championship wins but also on leadership, discipline, teamwork, and scholastic achievement. This year the academic distinction of 11 Dean’s Listers and 17 President’s Listers among the student-athlete community was again recognized as in previous NBK’s, a clear proof that excellence in the classroom can be achieved alongside athletic dedication.
The event serves as a cultural marker, a reminder that Ateneo's sports program is not only about winning but about becoming. Becoming men and women for others. Becoming leaders in their chosen paths. Becoming embodiments of the Jesuit mission.
The Night of the Blue Knights is a testament to the AdDU College Sports Office’s dedication to honoring student-athletes and fostering a culture of excellence. As the tradition enters its next decade, it reflects the power of commitment and community in shaping lives and embodying the university's core values.
Congratulations to the athletes, coaches, and community who have made these ten years possible. And to the College Sports Office, kudos for sustaining a program and a tradition that shapes lives.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.