A wrestling champion has unveiled a lasting legacy to the Commonwealth Games in his hometown.
Viorel Etko, who became the first wrestler to win a medal for Scotland in 20 years at last summer’s games, unveiled the commemorative cycle stand at Meldrum Primary.
Like the golden postboxes that appeared in the towns and villages of the Olympic Games winners, all Team Scotland Glasgow 2014 medallists have been given a stand in their medal colour that will be erected in a public place.
Etko, who won bronze in the men’s freestyle wresting contest, chose to have his stand put outside Meldrum Primary, where his 10-year-old son Leon is a pupil.
The 37-year-old, who won bronze in the men’s freestyle wrestling contest, was joined by Minister for Public Health Maureen Watt for the unveiling.
He said: “It was an honour to receive my cycle stand and nominate a location for it. I decided to donate it to my local school to show my gratitude to the community for their support throughout the games, and to give kids in my area more opportunities to cycle by providing additional parking spaces for bikes.
“Cycling to and from school is a great way to introduce them to daily exercise.”
Etko is originally from Moldova, and now lives in Oldmeldrum with his wife and former Scotland gymnast Laura Davies. They run a sports club, teaching wresting and gymnastics to more than 800 children a week.
The commemorative cycle stands are being installed as part of the new Legacy 2014 Active Travel Programme, which aims to encourage people of all ages to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Aberdeen South and North Kincardine MSP Ms Watt said: “It was great to meet Vio. He is a truly inspiring character, and I hope the cycle stand will help to encourage others to follow in his footsteps and achieve great things, whether that’s in the field of sport or elsewhere.”