Marking the birthday of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development and the Bhutan Olympic Committee, signed an MoU today in Thimphu to develop and promote sports and physical activities in schools across the country. This agreement lays the groundwork for a strategic and sustainable sports culture that will foster the holistic development of children while also nurturing athletic excellence.
At the signing, BOC’s Secretary-General read out His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck’s speech on the initiative.
“This endeavour stands as a fitting tribute to His Majesty the Fourth King, the visionary father of modern sports in Bhutan, whose leadership has continually championed the well-being of our youth. May this partnership not only honour His Majesty’s legacy but also serve as a lasting gift to the youth of Bhutan, inspiring them to strive for excellence and embody the values His Majesty has instilled in us,” said Sonam Karma Tshering, secretary general at Bhutan Olympic Committee.
The MoU includes provisions for human capacity development. Training programmes, seminars, and workshops will be held for school leaders, HPE teachers, and School Sports Instructors to ensure that physical education is implemented effectively. Additionally, infrastructure development will be a priority, with plans to equip schools with standardised sports facilities and internationally certified athletic equipment.
“Marking this occasion of the birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, we are reminded of the legacy of unity, service, and excellence His Majesty the Great Fourth has instilled in us all. This MoU reflects our aspiration to honour that legacy by nurturing a generation capable of upholding these values with pride,” said Tshewang Chophel Dorji, secretary of Ministry of Education and Skills Development.
The agreement will also support the integration of sports science and technology into schools. This includes fitness tests and the use of technology to monitor student progress and talent development. Moreover, new initiatives like a Sports School and Regional Sports Schools are in the pipeline, along with a pilot track and field programme in Thimphu.
The collaboration emphasises inclusivity, even for children with disabilities, and aims to instil students with values and ethics through the Olympic Values Education Program.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Kipchu
