Under clear skies and amid cheers echoing across the stadium, Bhutan hosted its largest-ever Para Sports Festival yesterday, uniting over 300 students with special needs, more than 100 volunteers, and countless family members in a day of athletic discovery and celebration.
Organised by the Bhutan Olympic Committee under the banner “Para Sports in Action – Inclusion and Celebration,” the festival aimed to showcase the transformative power of sport. The event was honoured by the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Euphelma Choden Wangchuck, who mingled with participants, offered words of encouragement, and presided over the day’s opening ceremonies.
“We have over 600 students, volunteers and parents over here with us today, and we’re trying to introduce them to a lot of new sports,”
remarked Sonam Karma Tshering, Secretary General of the Bhutan Olympic Committee.
From wheelchair basketball to seated volleyball, each activity station buzzed with excitement as students discovered abilities they never knew they possessed. For many, it was their first time donning specialized equipment and taking part in team challenges designed to build coordination and confidence.
“Being here, I learned that we are not just disabled, but we have the potential to shape our future. I want to come again next year to keep learning,”
shared Sangay Dorji, a student from Yangchen Gatshel Higher Secondary School in Thimphu, voice brimming with enthusiasm.
Beyond the sporting arena, the festival’s creative corner offered a platform for self-expression. Attendees admired vivid paintings, intricate handicrafts, and heartfelt essays—all crafted by students of Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools. Winners of the art and essay competition on the festival theme received certificates and applause in a touching awards ceremony.
“Generally, opportunities for children with special needs do exist, but they are limited. A festival specifically designed for them provides a valuable platform and is incredibly beneficial,”
explained Younten, a teacher at Taba Lower Secondary School.
In tandem with the festivities, organisers launched the Bhutan Paralympic Committee’s new website, www.bhutanparalympiccommittee.org, marking a significant step towards greater visibility and accessible resources for para-athletes across the kingdom.
As the sun set on an inspiring day, organizers and participants alike agreed that the festival had kindled more than competitiveness—it had ignited a movement. In Bhutan’s evolving sports landscape, the message was clear: ability, not disability, will always take the spotlight.
