In a move to strengthen inclusive education through sports, the Special Olympics office in Bhutan today handed over sports equipment worth over Nu. 430,000 to five inclusive schools in the capital. The donation, comprising futsal and athletics gear such as mini goalposts and balls, aims to foster a more inclusive learning environment and empower all students to participate in physical activities.
The handover ceremony was led by Dasho Dechen Wangmo, President of Special Olympics Bhutan, who presented the equipment to principals and representatives of the beneficiary schools — Changangkha Middle Secondary School, Motithang Higher Secondary School, Dechencholing Higher Secondary School, Loselling Middle Secondary School, and Sherabgatshel Primary School.
These schools are part of the Unified Champion Schools initiative, a Special Olympics programme that encourages social inclusion through Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities train and compete together. Bhutan currently has 10 pilot schools under this initiative.
School leaders highlighted the programme’s impact on students. “This initiative helps children, especially those with disabilities, come forward and showcase their talents,” said Nyendo Tshering, Principal of Changangkha MSS. “It ensures that every child participates, and both groups — with and without disabilities — learn from each other.”
Penjor Gyeltshen, Senior HPE teacher at Motithang HSS, noted the mental health benefits alongside physical development. “Playing together helps students support each other. For young people with disabilities, feeling included is vital to their mental well-being,” he said.
This marks the second major investment by Special Olympics Bhutan under the Unified Champion Schools programme this year. In April, 10 sports instructors from the pilot schools received training to lead inclusive sports activities. The organisation plans to provide similar equipment to the remaining pilot schools outside Thimphu to ensure equal opportunities across all sites.
