Former World Champion Curler David Murdoch, alongside his mother and siblings, officially launched the Matt Murdoch Curling Foundation in memory of his father on Tuesday.
Dad-of-three Matt Murdoch passed away suddenly last year, just days after seeing son David take home a silver medal in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.
After his untimely death, his wife, Marion, decided to set up the foundation in recognition of his commitment to youth curling.
The foundation aims to send two young curlers from Scotland annually, one from the Lockerbie area and one from any other part of Scotland, to the Trillium Junior Summer Curling Camp in Ontario, Canada.
The foundation’s first recipients include Lockerbie boy Ryan McCormack, 15, and 16-year-old Leeanne McKenzie from Stirling.
The pair are set to fly to Canada later this week.
Alistair Mackintosh, chairwoman of the foundation, said: “Matt Murdoch was and still is known for his love of curling in Scotland and in Canada and it is a fitting tribute that we continue his memory through the foundation.
“We have been working toward a three to five year plan to maintain links by sending our most appropriate youngsters to Canada for training and a more rounded view on what has fast become a worldwide game.
“We are indebted to all our contributors who have helped make this possible and who are proud to be associated with this worthy cause and help continue our mission to promote our sport.”
Marion added: “On behalf of the family and myself I extend grateful thanks to the many people who have shown their generosity by contributing to this new charity.
“This would not have been possible without the enthusiastic trustees who have put in a tremendous amount of work to set up this foundation in Matt’s memory.
“He always encouraged youngsters to participate in the sport of curling at local, national and International levels.
“Matt would have been delighted this wonderful opportunity for young people to form new friendships has been created, especially in Canada, where he so loved to go.”
