Recognising the benefits of swimming in the development of physical and motor skills, a pilot swimming training initiative is underway for students with disabilities from Sherabgatshel Primary School in Thimphu. Special Olympics Bhutan introduced swimming as a club-based activity in the school to create opportunities for students to connect, learn, and grow through sports.
20 students with disabilities from Sherabgatshel Primary School are participating in a special swimming training programme.
Among the excited trainees is nine-year-old Tshering Kinley Tharchen, a class two student who was diagnosed with autism when he was just three.
Tharchen is all smiles as he splashes the water, eager to jump into the pool.
For his mother, being able to bring her child outside for such a sporting activity is a milestone.
“Many parents face challenges in taking their children outdoors. Even when we want to, we struggle with our children’s challenging behaviour and fear of social stigma. As a result, our children spend most of their time indoors. We also tend to believe that staying inside is safer,” said Tshering Yangzom, Parent.
The school has over 35 students with disabilities.
Acknowledging the opportunity for his students, the principal of Sherabgatshel Primary School said that such sporting activities are important as classroom lessons alone are not enough for the development of children with disabilities.
“Engaging in such sports supports students with disabilities to develop physically and intellectually, while also giving them exposure and opportunities to learn how to interact with society,” said Pema Dorji, Principal, Sherabgatshel Primary School, Thimphu.
Special Olympics Bhutan said swimming was chosen for its wide-ranging benefits.
“Swimming has a lot of benefits. It is therapeutic. Moreover, it also helps in muscle coordination and helps build focus, which will also help them in classroom learning,” said Tandin Wangchuk, Programme Coordinator, Special Olympics Bhutan.
Officials said in the pilot project, students from Sherabgatshel Primary School will attend sessions once a week until the end of November.
They added that if the training proves successful, the programme will be extended to other Unified Champion Schools. Currently, there are 10 schools across the country identified as Unified Champions Schools, engaging students with disabilities in inclusive sports activities.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Phub Gyem
