Studies have proven for years that sports play a vital role in keeping ones body fit and healthy. And more so, it is important for people living with disabilities. However, access to sports is one of the challenges for them. But this is expected to change. The Bhutan Paralympic Committee, an independent organisation, has started introducing Para sports in the Special Educational Needs or SEN schools beginning this year.
Five Para sports were introduced to SEN students of Gesarling Central School in Dagana and Damphu Middle Secondary School in Tsirang. It is part of this year’s Paralympic Festival that was held recently. One of the Para-Sports is Boccia. The sport was first developed in Greece. It is designed for competitors who have a physical disability requiring the use of a wheelchair.
Similarly, the students were also introduced to Goal Ball, Sitting Volleyball, Para Badminton and Blind football. These sports are designed specifically for athletes with disabilities to keep them fit and to improve their mental well-being and intellectual development.
“Especially for young people with disabilities have problem with moving their limbs. So, basic fundamentals like throwing and catching will help them. In the future at least for those who can’t move at all are trained or given this opportunity or move and fundamental movements in the schools, it will help them grow as an adult,” said Penjor Gyeltshen, Coach of Bhutan Paralympic Committee.
The Committee also trained a few SEN teachers to keep the Para sports culture alive in the schools. The Committee had initially tried to introduce Para sports in SEN schools a few years ago but failed due to a lack of trained teachers.
The introduction of Para sports in SEN schools is expected to make every child with disabilities enjoy the benefits of sports.
“The Para-sports introduced to our students will help them bond with one another and develop team spirits. So, these kinds of sports for children with disabilities will contribute much to transforming their lives,” said Leki Dorji, a teacher at Damphu Middle Secondary School.
“Doctors told me that my son’s movement difficulty is due to energy deficiency in him. The prolonged illness is affecting him severely. I hope these sports will help him improve his health,” said Bimla Pradhan, a parent.
“I enjoyed playing Para-sports today. I played well,” said Nita Phuyal, one of the SEN students.
The committee plans to introduce Para sports in all SEN schools in the future. As of today, there are 18 SEN schools across the country.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Sonam Pem
