In celebration of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s birthday, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development and the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today in Thimphu. This pivotal agreement aims to advance and promote sports and physical activities across schools nationwide, laying the foundation for a robust and enduring sports culture that supports both the holistic growth of students and the pursuit of athletic excellence.
During the signing ceremony, the BOC’s Secretary-General delivered a speech by His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, highlighting the initiative’s importance. “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,” said Sonam Karma Tshering, Secretary-General of the Bhutan Olympic Committee. “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.”
The MoU outlines comprehensive strategies for human capacity development, including training programmes, seminars, and workshops tailored for school leaders, physical education (PE) teachers, and School Sports Instructors. These initiatives are designed to ensure the effective implementation of physical education curricula. Additionally, the agreement prioritizes infrastructure enhancements, with plans to equip schools with standardized sports facilities and internationally certified athletic equipment, thereby elevating the quality of school sports environments.
Tshewang Chophel Dorji, Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, emphasized the MoU’s alignment with the late king’s legacy. “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,” Dorji stated. “This MoU reflects our aspiration to honour that legacy by nurturing a generation capable of upholding these values with pride.”
The collaboration also seeks to integrate sports science and technology into educational settings. Plans include implementing fitness assessments and utilizing technological tools to monitor student progress and identify athletic talent. Future initiatives under the MoU feature the establishment of a dedicated Sports School, the creation of Regional Sports Schools, and the launch of a pilot track and field programme in Thimphu.
Inclusivity remains a cornerstone of the agreement, ensuring that children with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in sports. Furthermore, the partnership will incorporate the Olympic Values Education Program, aimed at instilling core values and ethical principles in students through sports.
This MoU represents a strategic move towards fostering a vibrant and inclusive sports culture within Bhutanese schools, reflecting a shared commitment to developing the nation’s youth both physically and morally, in honor of their revered monarch.
