Opening of the Denis Law Institute of Sport and Wellbeing

That the Parliament recognises the opening of the Denis Law Institute of Sport and Wellbeing at Robert Gordon University (RGU); understands that the institute is a partnership between RGU and the Denis Law Legacy Trust that seeks to produce tangible benefits by utilising practical research, community liaison and work-integrated learning; further understands that the institute aims to bring about positive outcomes in health and wellbeing, increase access to opportunities and deliver long-term social benefits through physical activity, sport and community partnerships; recognises that the institute builds on the long-standing partnership between RGU and the Denis Law Legacy Trust, including the delivery of Streetsport, which uses free sport and creative activities to engage young people and support stronger communities; notes the role of the Denis Law Legacy Trust in supporting activity at Cruyff Courts across Aberdeen, providing accessible community spaces where young people can take part in sport and develop confidence, skills and positive relationships; understands that the Trust currently records more than 30,000 participations in its activities annually, demonstrating the reach of its work across local communities; considers that the institute’s work will combine the delivery of place-based sport and wellbeing programmes with research and evidence gathering, helping to highlight the potential of research to bring about improvements in health and wellbeing; notes that a bespoke research unit within the institute will provide a framework for incorporating research and evaluation into the running of programmes and therefore produce reliable data; acknowledges that the research unit will work alongside representatives from local government, education, health and the third sector to monitor the outcomes and social impact of RGU Sport’s programmes; recognises that RGU Sport has 5,600 members and that an additional 1,200 people take part in student sports clubs; understands that students have expressed the positive impact that participation in RGU Sport activities has had on their time at university; considers the increasing body of evidence suggesting that participation in sport at RGU has a positive impact on attainment; commends the work of RGU and the Denis Law Legacy Trust in establishing the institute, and wishes them every success.