Closing Ceremony of the Orientation and Capacity Building Program

𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

Closing Ceremony of the Orientation and Capacity Building Program

The Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) successfully concluded the Orientation and Capacity Building Program on 12th March 2025, marking a significant step toward integrating sports into school culture. This pioneering initiative, which began on 3rd March 2025, was made possible through a valuable collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) and the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC), with funding from Olympic Solidarity.

Following the orientation, School Sports Instructors (SSIs) and Health & Physical Education (HPE) teachers received specialized training facilitated by four federations, enhancing their ability to deliver quality sports education. This transformative pilot program is designed to cultivate a generation of healthy, well-rounded individuals. By integrating structured sports programs into the curriculum, the project seeks to enhance students’ physical and mental well-being. Regular participation in sports will not only improve fitness and reduce stress but also instill essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience.

The pilot project focuses on training School Sports Instructors and collaborating with National Sports Federations to strengthen the sports infrastructure and expertise within schools, leading to increased student engagement. The lessons learned from this initiative will lay the foundation for a nationwide expansion, ensuring that all Bhutanese students have access to quality sports education. Ultimately, this initiative reflects Bhutan’s commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture, aligning with the national vision of promoting youth development and creating a healthier, more active society.

As the first batch to implement the program, three pilot schools—Woochu Lower Secondary School (Paro), Chundu Armed Forces Public School (Haa), and Khangkhu Middle Secondary School (Paro)—have set a strong foundation for promoting sports within the school. Additionally, Dechencholing Higher Secondary School has been selected to continue implementing the Sports in School program as part of Project Dechencholing, ensuring the sustainability and expansion of this initiative.

During the closing ceremony, participants expressed their enthusiasm and newfound perspectives gained from the training. Jigme Tshewang from Woochu Lower Secondary School shared, “Sports have always been part of our school, but after this training, we see it in a whole new light. Previously, we focused mainly on health and physical education, but now we understand the broader impact sports can have on students’ overall development.”

Similarly, Dechen Palden from Dechencholing Higher Secondary School stated, “This training was truly useful and engaging. The best part was the hands-on approach, which made learning more interactive and meaningful.”

Taskforce member Tshering Penjor commended the active participation and energy displayed by all attendees. He emphasized, “The engagement throughout the training was remarkable. The participants are the key personnel for this pilot project, and their dedication will be crucial in taking this initiative forward.”

Certificates were awarded to all participants in recognition of their commitment and efforts. As the Bhutan Olympic Committee bids farewell to this inaugural batch, we extend our best wishes to all instructors and stakeholders. Their dedication will be instrumental in fostering a vibrant, holistic, and inspiring sports culture in schools, ensuring a brighter future for Bhutan’s youth.

With this milestone achieved, we look forward to further strengthening the collaboration between schools and sports organizations, ensuring that sports become an integral part of education and student development across the nation.