A mythical creature has become the inspiration for a new club which aims to bring the benefits of sport to people with disabilities.
The Dundee Dragons were training at the Lynch Centre, South Road, on Saturday as they prepare for the start of the wheelchair rugby league season.
Wheelchair rugby league is unique in that it offers disabled and able-bodied players of both sexes the opportunity to compete.
There are five players per side, with teams conceding possession if they have not scored after a set of six tackles done by tagging a player have been completed. Offside, knock-on and in-touch rulings apply, as they do in the traditional game.
Chairperson Elizabeth Ferris said: “It allows participants to play together in a fast and exciting sport, within a supportive team environment.
“After my spinal injury, there was a lot to adjust to. One huge thing for me was that I thought I wouldn’t be able to take part in fast-paced team sport any longer.
“Being part of the Dragons has given me that back and it is fantastic to be able to play wheelchair rugby league with people who have a similar condition, as well as with the able-bodied players who come along.”
Team member Stephen Carling, who was paralysed in a car crash aged 17, said: “The hardest part was changing my active lifestyle and getting to grips with using my chair.
“Until now, there has not been a sport in this area that I have been able to take part in.
“The Dundee Dragons have helped me get back into playing a sport and have opened up other opportunities for me to possibly play for Scotland in the future.”
Damian McGowan, managing director of local firm Gowrie Care, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Dundee Dragons. The work they do and the people we have met are inspirational.
“At Gowrie Care we work with people every day who have physical disabilities so we will definitely be looking at ways to get some of our service users involved and encourage them to take part.”
More details can be found online at dundeedragonswrl.co.uk.