Olympic Solidarity
Bhutan Olympic Committee
Established in 1971, Olympic Solidarity is the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) global development arm, dedicated to ensuring equitable access to Olympic values and resources for all National Olympic Committees (NOCs), particularly those in underserved regions. Born from a merger of initiatives led by Count Jean de Beaumont and the Permanent General Assembly of NOCs, its mission is to strengthen sport at the grassroots level, nurture athletes, and promote the Olympic Movement’s ideals worldwide.
Pillars of Olympic Solidarity
Athlete Development: Scholarships, training grants, and support for Olympic qualification pathways.
Coach Education: Funding for certification programs and knowledge-sharing platforms.
Administrative Support: Capacity-building for NOCs to improve governance and operations.
Infrastructure & Equipment: Assistance for facilities, technology, and sport-specific gear.
Youth & Community Engagement: Programs to inspire youth participation and gender equality in sport.
A Model of Resilience & Progress
Bhutan, famous for its mountains and happiness index, isn’t exactly a sports powerhouse. But with Olympic Solidarity’s support, we’re proving that size doesn’t matter. Here’s how:
Athlete Development
Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Bhutan’s first female archer, Karma, competed in the women’s individual event, supported by Olympic Solidarity scholarships covering training, equipment, and coaching.
Paris 2024: Archer Lam Dorji will represent Bhutan in the men’s category, benefiting from tailored preparation programs funded by the IOC.
Coach & Official Training
Bhutanese coaches have attended IOC-funded workshops in Asia, gaining expertise in modern training methodologies.
In 2023, BOC officials participated in an Olympic Solidarity-sponsored governance seminar to enhance organizational efficiency.
Grassroots Sport Promotion
Youth Archery Programs: Partnering with Olympic Solidarity, BOC launched archery clinics in rural schools, tapping into Bhutan’s cultural affinity for the sport.
Women in Sport: Initiatives like “Girls in Archery” aim to boost female participation, aligning with the IOC’s gender equality goals.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Olympic Solidarity grants helped modernize Bhutan’s National Archery Stadium, ensuring athletes train to international standards.
Challenges & Triumphs
Bhutan faces unique hurdles, such as geographic isolation and limited funding. However, strategic use of Olympic Solidarity resources has yielded results:
2021: Karma’s historic Olympic debut raised Bhutan’s profile in global archery.
2023: Bhutan hosted its first South Asian archery championship, supported by IOC expertise.
Future Goals: Expanding winter sports participation (e.g., cross-country skiing) using solidarity funds.
Olympic Solidarity’s work transcends sport—it fosters unity, resilience, and hope. For nations like Bhutan, it’s not just about medals; it’s about building a legacy of empowerment. By investing in athletes like Karma and Lam Dorji, the IOC ensures that even the smallest NOCs can inspire their communities and compete on the world stage.
Learn More:
About Bhutan Olympic Committee
Discover the history of the Bhutan Olympic Committee and learn about its journey and contributions to sports development.
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