For over a century, Blues Awards have celebrated sporting excellence at The University of Queensland.
Since 1912, Blue and Half-Blue Awards have been presented to champion UQ sportsmen and women, in recognition of their outstanding sporting achievements, and for enhancing the reputation of university sport.
To be awarded a University Blue is held in high esteem and is one of the highest accolades a student-athlete athlete can receive. To date, the University has awarded over 2,300 Blue and Half-Blues.
Nominations for this year’s Blues Awards will open early September.
UQ Sport
The University of Queensland,
Building 33, Union Rd,
St Lucia, Qld 4067
Blues History
The tradition of Blues Awards has been widely adopted by universities all over the world.
The Blues name is derived from the iconic inter-varsity rivalry between Britain’s Oxford and Cambridge Universities. At a boat race in 1829, a Cambridge oarsmen famously tied a light blue ribbon (the colours of his school, Eton College) to the bows of the University’s boat – the Blues legacy was born!
Award Criteria
The University of Queensland and UQ Sport, through an independent Blues Advisory Committee, have developed selection criteria to ensure Blue and Half-Blue recipients are of the highest standard.
To receive a Blue, student-athletes will have produced exceptional results at national or international-level sporting competitions. The Blues Advisory Committee also takes into consideration the standard and quality of these competitions when judging Blue nominations.
A Half-Blue recognises outstanding sporting performances at state-level and/or university competitions.
Sporting Alumnus
UQ Sport is committed to maintaining contact with our sporting alumni. Blue and Half-Blue recipients are encouraged to provide their latest contact details by completing our electronic form.
You can also contribute to the Blues Awards by providing information, sporting artefacts and photographs – please email us to get in touch!