“Play Your Way’ Brings a Vibrant and Inclusive Sports Day to Aberdeen This Summer
Team DLLT with We Too!
A dynamic programme of inclusive events has been unveiled by the Denis Law Legacy Trust for the inaugural Denis Law Legacy Games in Aberdeen, highlighting opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
This year marks an exciting new chapter for the Trust with the introduction of the Legacy Games, replacing the Denis Law Community Festival, which successfully ran for 15 years, building on the history of the Aberdeen International Football Festival, first established in 1981. The new format pays tribute to the legendary Denis Law following his passing in early 2025, continuing his legacy of inspiring communities through sport.
The 2026 Legacy Games, hosted at Aberdeen Sports Village (ASV), kick off on Friday 10th July with “Play Your Way”, a brand-new inclusive sports day delivered in partnership between the Denis Law Legacy Trust and fellow Aberdeen-based charity, We Too!. This is the first time an event of this kind will be held, offering local children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) the opportunity to experience sport in a fun, flexible and fully accessible way.
The collaboration between the two charities recognised that traditional sports days can often feel overwhelming or inaccessible for ASN children and young people. For many, the pressure of racing, competing or taking part in fast-paced structured activities can create anxiety and feelings of exclusion.
Phionna McInnes, Chief Encouragement Officer at We Too! said, “Play Your Way is exactly what it says on the tin. There are no winners, no losers and no pressure. Just children and young people discovering what they enjoy, building confidence and having fun in a way that works for them. At We Too!, we believe inclusion should never be something people have to earn. We're incredibly proud to be partnering with the Denis Law Legacy Trust and Aberdeen Sports Village to create a day where every young person can take part, feel welcome and simply be themselves."
The event is expected to welcome around 40 young people, with the opportunity to explore a variety of inclusive activities, offering adaptable sports and movement-based activities. Each activity has been carefully designed by We Too! to ensure participants can engage in ways that feel comfortable and accessible to them. This may include an active role, exploring the event at their own pace, observing, trying something new, or simply feeling relaxed and supported in a welcoming environment.
Unlike conventional sports days, “Play Your Way” places no emphasis on competition or performance. Instead, the event will focus on creating an environment where every participant can feel safe, supported and successful, reflecting the core values and mission of the Denis Law Legacy Trust.
Mark William, Chief Operating Officer from Denis Law Legacy Trust said, “We are incredibly proud that Denis’s legacy continues to open doors and create opportunities for those who might not always have access to them. ‘Play Your Way’ and the introduction of the Legacy Games represent an important step forward in ensuring sport is truly inclusive for everyone. By creating welcoming and accessible platforms like this, we’re helping to build confidence, enjoyment and opportunity for these young people, not just today, but for many years to come.”
Families are warmly invited to register to attend and take part in what promises to be a vibrant and uplifting event of fun with relaxing activities adapted to suit all needs in a supportive environment.
ASV have hosted the festival and games since 2011, with Graham Morrison, Head of Sports and Events, commenting, "We are proud to continue our long standing partnership with the Denis Law Legacy Trust and to host the inaugural Denis Law Legacy Games. Over the years, we have seen first hand the positive impact these events have on young people, families and communities across Aberdeen. The introduction of ‘Play Your Way’ is a fantastic addition to the programme, creating opportunities for children and young people with additional support needs to enjoy sport in an environment that is welcoming, inclusive and tailored to their individual needs. It reflects the values that both ASV and the Denis Law Legacy Trust are committed to promoting through sport and physical activity."
After the Play Your Way sports day the next event in the Legacy Games calendar will be the annual “Sport Di Strada” Cup (Streetsport in Italian and a nod to Denis Law’s time in Torino), a competitive competition where communities across Aberdeen make up their own teams of young people to compete in the 3 different age groups against other communities.
