Bhutan Amateur Athletics Federation celebrates

World Kids’ Athletics Day 2025

Thimphu, May 8 — The Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation (BAAF) celebrated World Kids’ Athletics Day 2025 at Daga Central School on May 7th 2025, bringing together students, school sports instructors, and community members for the day of fun, fitness, and friendly competition.

Observed annually on May 7 globally, World Kids’ Athletics Day is a global initiative by World Athletics aimed at promoting physical activity, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles among children. This year’s event in Bhutan was held under the theme: “Empowering Youth through Kids’ Athletics – Go, Grow and Glow.”

In line with BAAF’s goal to make athletics accessible to all, Dagana was chosen as the host district to provide opportunities for youth in rural areas. The festival is part of a rotational program that brings Kids’ Athletics to different dzongkhags each year, ensuring equal access and inclusivity across the country.

In preparation for the event, BAAF conducted a Kids’ Athletics Theory and Practical Course for School Sports Instructors (SSIs) and volunteers on 5th May, 2025. The training featured both classroom learning and practical field sessions, with 20 participants representing 18 schools across Dagana. Participants were also given access to e-learning modules developed by World Athletics. Upon successful completion of assessments from the world athletics, they will be awarded with e-certificates and they can upgrade their skills with other assessments to level-up their referee levels.

The training covered the fundamentals of Kids’ Athletics, including its goals, age-group event planning, and the STEP approach—Space, Task, Equipment, and Participants—to ensure smooth event execution. Participants also received training on safeguarding and safety protocols and concluded the session with demo event planning and role assignments for the main festival. Looking ahead, BAAF plans to empower the 20 trained SSIs to implement Kids’ Athletics programs in their respective schools and communities. This initiative is expected to strengthen grassroots athletics, identify young talent, and promote sustained participation in sports among children.

Before the main event, a Fun Run was held from Kalizingkha to Daga Central School playground as part of the World Kids’ Athletics Day 2025. About 215 people took part in the run, including students, teachers, and community members. All participants received a certificate of appreciation for joining the activity.

World Kids' Athletics Day 2025

The festival was attended by Dasho Dzongdag of Dagana Tashi Tobgay, officials from dzongkhag administration, local government, and children of various school of the Dzongkhag. The event began with the singing of the National Anthem followed by the traditional Marchang ceremony. The day held even deeper significance as it coincided with Zhabdrung Kuchoe, a day of great cultural and spiritual significance in Bhutan.

In his welcome address, BAAF General Secretary Dorji Tenzin highlighted the importance of bringing such events to rural areas. “Such events play a vital role in promoting sports in various rural parts of our country,” he said. “With the slogan ‘Go, Grow and Glow’, I would want the students and the community to always stay active and lead a healthy lifestyle.” He also extended heartfelt thanks to the Dzongkhag administration, Daga Central School, and all the stakeholders and participants who came for celebrating this event.

Following the welcome remarks, the Honourable Dasho Dzongdag Tashi Tobgay was invited to deliver a few words on the occasion. In his address, he expressed sincere appreciation to BAAF and the Bhutan Olympic Committee for initiating and selecting Dagana Dzongkhag as the host for this year’s World Kids’ Athletics Day. He emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in promoting a healthy lifestyle among students and the community. The Honourable Dasho also reaffirmed his unwavering support for the development of sports in the dzongkhag, in shaping a brighter future for the youth and enhancing community well-being.

On festival day, students from five schools—Lhaling PS, Samey PS, Daleythang LSS, Daga PS, and Dagapela MSS—participated in the event. Each school fielded 20 students (10 boys and 10 girls), totaling 100 enthusiastic participants. Eleven fun and inclusive events were held, including Sprint Hurdle, Moving Target Jump, Precision Javelin, 8-Second Sprint, Cross Hopping, Double Arm Push, Formula One, Precision Discus, Ladder Recovery, Overhead Backward Throw, and Endurance Run.

As part of the festival, participants from each school were divided into two teams, making a total of ten teams competing in various athletic events. All participating teams were awarded certificates and medals based on their final scores. Among the five schools, the overall results were as follows: Daleythang Lower Secondary School secured first place, followed by Dagapela Middle Secondary School in second place. Lhaling Primary School came in third, Daga Primary School placed fourth, and Samey Primary School finished in fifth position.

The day concluded on a joyful note, filled with laughter, excitement, and a strong sense of sportsmanship. It was a meaningful celebration of World Kids’ Athletics Day in Dagana, successfully promoting athletics and a healthy lifestyle among the children and the school community.