The Denis Law Institute of Sport & Wellbeing launches at RGU

The Denis Law Institute of Sport & Wellbeing will use the power of the famous number ten to inspire and make a difference for generations to come through a long-term commitment to sport, health, education and community development. 

The initiative will champion the work already taking place within the Denis Law Legacy Trust (DLLT) and RGU Sport which both support participation in sport and physical activity. It will expand on their efforts by leveraging existing programmes, creating new opportunities and forming strategic partnerships, while bringing together academics and practitioners to create evidence-based research on the power of sport for change.

Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, comments: “The passing of honorary graduate Denis Law in January led the University to the notion of honouring his service to football, Aberdeen and young people.

"The Denis Law Institute of Sport & Wellbeing will embody the inspiring attributes Denis Law carried throughout his sporting career through empowering individuals to pursue careers in sport and related industries, fostering charity work and volunteerism, and promoting civic pride and global citizenship.”

Gary Law said: “Seeing Dad’s name on this new Institute is a tribute to the incredible legacy he will leave behind. His kindness, dedication, and unwavering spirit touched so many lives, and we are deeply grateful to RGU that his impact will continue to be felt this way through the Denis Law Institute of Sport & Wellbeing.

“This Institute will stand as a reminder of his passion and the values he held dear — honouring not just his name, but the difference he made in our community and will now do so for many years to come.”

In May 2025, the Printfield 10 – Denis Law Legacy Trailwas officially launched in the community where he grew with vital contributions to the project from DLLT and Gray’s School of Art. Two Denis Law murals were completed in April 2025, and the development of these now iconic images was captured by Communication Design student Innes Gregory.

Main image: Gary Law and Professor Steve Olivier at RGU