Sporting students at the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University will take part in a tug-of-war today (Monday, March 16) to launch this year’s Granite City Challenge.
The two teams – made up of rugby, hockey, tennis and netball players from each university – will roll up their sleeves and dig their heels in on King's College Playing Fields at 11am.
They will be vying for boasting rights ahead of the Granite City Challenge proper on Wednesday, March 18 – the largest one day varsity event in Britain.
Around 700 people and 35 teams will compete against each other in sports ranging from trampolining and Gaelic football to water polo and tennis.
A brand new trophy has been purchased for the event, which the University of Aberdeen lost to their rivals in 2008 after a run of 11 unbeaten years.
Gordon Cox, Vice President of Sport at the University of Aberdeen's Students' Association said: "As this year's host we will be creating a carnival feeling on King's Playing fields for what will be a brilliant day of sporting endeavour, keen rivalry and a lot of fun.
"Nearly every one of our sports clubs competes and each winning captain is recognised with an award presented on the day. No club wants to lose to RGU so there is a huge competitive edge.
"We're desperate to regain our hold on the trophy and all the students are looking forward to that first whistle. But it will also be a lively spectacle for supporters and we hope as many people as possible will turn out to spur on our sports stars."
Emma Raeburn, Vice President of Sport at RGU added: "We are really hoping to hold on to the winning trophy following last year's triumph and after our success in regaining the Universities Boat Race title this year I think we're in a great position.
"Events like these really help to boost the student experience and I'm sure everyone taking part, including spectators, is in for a really enjoyable day."
If you would like further information on the event please contact Gordon Cox at href="mailto:g.cox@abdn.ac.uk">g.cox@abdn.ac.uk</a> or on 01224 272 545.