Young children across the north-east are being encouraged to give rugby a try and raise money for a motor neurone disease charity.
Doddie Weir’s My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was launched last year after the sportsman revealed he was suffering from the disease, to help fund research into the causes and investigate potential cures.
The charity has teamed up with Rugbytots Aberdeen for a fundraiser by hosting a Tartan Tryathlon where the kids will be playing the sport for donations.
Rugbytots Aberdeen has been running weekly play sessions for more than 150 youngsters between the ages of two and five in the city as well as Westhill, Stonehaven and Inverurie. Banchory sessions will start in February.
Coach Kevin Brown said: “Through Rugbytots we teach catching, passing and balancing skills, but in a fun, yet well structured way.
“All our coaches are incredibly passionate about rugby and love seeing the kids develop week after week, while burning off lots of energy.
“Doddie Weir is such a highly respected sportsman and such a massive character in the world of rugby.
“We are keen to do whatever we can to support his foundation and help raise the profile of the illness.”
The well known sportsman earned 61 caps for Scotland, represented the British and Irish Lions on their 1997 South African tour and won championships with Melrose and Newcastle Flacons before his motor neuron disease diagnosis.
Each child will be rewarded with a balloon and certificate upon completing the tasks at the Tartan Tryathlon event on February 4.