To promote inclusion through sports, the country’s first-ever Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools competition is underway in the capital. Led by the Special Olympics Bhutan, the three-day event brings together students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, using sports to build teamwork, empathy, and equal opportunities in schools. The inaugural competition kicked off today at the Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation ground.
Nearly 230 students from ten inclusive schools are taking part in the competition. Today, they played relay races, bocce, and futsal in teams made up of students with and without disabilities.
The participating schools were selected for their strong support of inclusive education.
To support the event, a technical team from Special Olympics Bharat from India is helping the Special Olympics Bhutan to ensure fair competition and international standards.
“For the first time in Bhutan, we are conducting Unified Sports, where athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities participate alongside athletes without disabilities. Through the divisioning process, athletes are grouped according to ability, ensuring fair competition and equal opportunity for everyone,” said Surender Singh, Technical & Mental Health Expert, Special Olympics Bharat, India.
The President of Special Olympics Bhutan said that the initiative is part of a long-term vision to prepare Bhutanese athletes for international competitions, including the World Games in 2027.
“Unified Champion Schools is about children with and without disabilities playing together, building empathy, shared friendships, and compassion. This program is not about winning medals, but about improving access to sports for children with disabilities,” said Dasho Dechen Wangmo, President, Special Olympics Bhutan.
For young participants like Nima Pelden, the event is as much about joy and friendship as it is about competition.
“I came here to play sports today, and I have made many new friends. I am very happy to be part of this event, and I am grateful that such activities are being organised.”
Earlier today, during the opening ceremony, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Special Olympics Bhutan to work together and expand Unified Champion Schools across the country.
“This Memorandum of Understanding strengthens our collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development to expand inclusive sports in schools and prepare Bhutanese athletes for regional and international competitions,” said Dasho Dechen Wangmo, President, Special Olympics Bhutan.
The competition will continue for two more days, showing how sports can make schools more inclusive and supportive.
The Special Olympics Bhutan Program has been active since 2009 and underwent restructuring in 2024. It is an independent programme that is officially affiliated with the Bhutan Paralympic Committee.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Pem
