In what can only be described as a heartwarming development, the Sport-in-School Project—a joint initiative of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) and the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC)—is breathing life into school campuses, one game, one movement, and one joyful shout at a time.

The goal is simple yet profound: to cultivate a vibrant sporting culture that is fun, diverse, inclusive, and safe, while also promoting health, wellbeing, and holistic education for every child. And from what I have seen and heard, this pilot initiative is already making waves in the best possible way.

During my visits to pilot schools—observing after-school programs, attending lively carnivals, and engaging in conversations with Dzongkhag officials, school leaders, teachers, sports instructors, and students—one message stood out: the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Children are not only enjoying themselves but also learning, growing, and connecting in meaningful ways.

While a few teachers noted the challenge of stretching their time, often giving up their weekends, the overall spirit was one of dedication and shared purpose. Some schools expressed the need for more basic resources, but even with limited means, the enthusiasm and creativity with which these programs were implemented were truly inspiring. A salute to the three pilot schools!

What stood out most was the genuine joy of the students. They weren’t just running, jumping, or playing—they were building health and friendships, learning teamwork, expressing creativity, and rediscovering the value of sports and physical activity in a world increasingly dominated by screens and sedentary lifestyles.

One of the pilot’s most exciting highlights was the integration of real-world skills into the program. Children received training in photography, videography, live commentary, journalism, event management, and marketing—adding an entrepreneurial and sustainable dimension to the initiative. It was heartening to witness students confidently delivering live commentary and conducting pre- and post-event interviews with peers and school staff during the carnivals. Evidence of this can be found in various school Facebook posts.

None of this would have been possible without the contributions of professionals from the BOC, who brought not only essential resources but also their time, expertise, and passion into the schools.

What’s unfolding is far more than a sports program—it is a transformational movement that reimagines education through the lenses of play, joy, movement, creativity, community, and wellbeing. If this pilot is any indication, scaling it up holds immense promise—not only for nurturing well-rounded, healthy children but also for laying the foundation for sporting excellence in Bhutan.

For the love of sport, the joy of children, and the future of sports in Bhutan—let us keep the momentum alive.