Lighting the Torch of Leadership- BOC Launches Transformative Summer Immersion Program 2025

Lighting the Torch of Leadership

BOC Launches Transformative Summer Immersion Program 2025

The sun rose on a new kind of classroom today at the National Coaching Academy in Thimphu — one where creativity met purpose, and passion for sports took a bold step beyond the field.

The Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) and supported by Olympic Solidarity, officially launched the Summer Immersion Program 2025 — a dynamic 11-day learning experience designed to empower young minds through immersive, hands-on exposure to the world of sports media, communications, and event management.

Twelve students, carefully selected from four pilot schools under the Sports in School (SiS) initiative, walked into this experience not just as learners — but as future leaders.

The program is structured in three progressive phases:

Week 1: Skill Development – Students begin with training in photography, videography, graphic design, social media strategy, news writing, press conference planning, and digital tools like Canva and mobile editors.
Week 2: Federation Field Immersion – Participants shadow National Sports Federation teams, assisting in event coverage, media documentation, and logistics, gaining real-time exposure to how sports events are communicated and managed.
Week 3: Reflection & School Project Design – The focus shifts to building leadership confidence. Students will pitch their own school-based sports initiatives, with peer feedback, mentorship, and final presentations to BOC and school representatives.

Every day blends theory with creativity — from crafting Instagram carousels to running mock press conferences. These young participants are not simply being told what to do; they are invited to explore, create, lead, and reflect.

“We’re not just teaching these kids how to write or design — we’re showing them that their voice matters. For many of them, this is the first time they’re being told, ‘Your story is worth telling.’ That changes something deep inside. It’s not just about media — it’s about believing they can lead, create, and leave a mark on Bhutanese sports.” said Mr. Victor Gurung

What makes this program unique is its vision of sustainability. These students are not here for certificates alone. They are being groomed to return as torchbearers — founding sports media clubs, leading event documentation, and igniting creativity in their peers.

Students were selected based on their prior interest in volunteering at press conferences and media activities. With a modest stipend, consented participation, and guided mentorship, the program ensures an environment where learning meets responsibility and imagination meets discipline.

The SiS program has already completed two successful phases. With this immersion program, BOC is planting seeds for a student-led ecosystem that could eventually redefine how sports are managed, promoted, and experienced in Bhutanese schools.

As the opening day closed with team-building games and reflective journaling, the energy in the room was unmistakable. These twelve students — some shy, some bold, all curious — are stepping into a journey that promises not only new skills but a new sense of ownership in shaping Bhutanese sports culture.

They may not wear jerseys or medals this month, but make no mistake — they are players of impact, writing a new chapter of sports in Bhutan, one poster, press release, and project pitch at a time.