𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 300 𝑺𝑬𝑵 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

By Tashi Tshewang

On May 24, 2025, the Bhutan Paralympic Committee (BPC), with support from the Bhutan Olympic Committee, hosted the sixth National Paralympic Festival at the Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation Athletics Ground in Lungtenzampa, Thimphu. The event was graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck, President of the BPC, and brought together over 300 students from Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools, including Draktsho Vocational Training Centre and Wangsel Institute for the Deaf. More than 100 student volunteers also participated.

The festival featured cultural performances, the awarding of art and essay competition winners, and a range of inclusive sporting activities. These activities aimed to engage and inspire youth and persons with disabilities, highlighting the importance of adaptive sports in Bhutan. The event also reflected the country’s efforts to shift societal attitudes from sympathy to solidarity, encouraging recognition of the unique contributions of every individual.

Since its inception in 2019, the Paralympic Festival has grown significantly in both scale and participation. It has become an important national platform for promoting inclusion and advancing the development of para sports in Bhutan. The 2025 edition emphasized the transformative potential of sports in empowering individuals and fostering community engagement, in line with the Committee’s mission to create equal opportunities and raise awareness of adaptive sports.

Sonam Choden, the Inclusive Coordinator at Wangsel Institute for the Deaf, reflected on the impact of the event. “I am participating as a coordinator as well as looking after the children. We came all the way from Paro with the children. It is really a good opportunity for the children with disabilities as they could showcase their skills in games and make friends with others. Their socialization skills are enhanced, and they get opportunities to communicate with their favorite celebrities,” she said.

She further noted the sense of belonging such events create for children with disabilities. “Through events like this, the children get to know that they are not the only persons with disabilities, as the surroundings are all with similar children. The children get exposure, and all the people could see their skills. Moreover, learning is interacting and participating, so with events like this, they could exchange knowledge with others,” she added.

“As being a teacher, it is an emotional moment for us as we could see our children laughing and enjoying,” she said.
Mitsi, a staff member at Draktsho Vocational Training Centre for Special Children and Youth, also shared his reflections. “This is the first time our students have had the chance to participate in such an event. They were thrilled and deeply moved by the experience. Until now, they hadn’t been given a platform like this, and today’s event was both exciting and meaningful for them.”

The festival introduced students to a variety of para sports, generating interest and awareness. Through meetings and awareness sessions, participants gained a deeper understanding of the Paralympic movement and its opportunities within Bhutan and abroad.

“The variety of games showcased at the festival was enlightening. Since the concept of Paralympics is still quite new in Bhutan, many students were initially unsure and unfamiliar with the rules. However, I hope that in the future, events like this will open more doors and possibilities for students with disabilities,” he said.

Established in 2001, Draktsho is Bhutan’s first vocational training center for children and youth with disabilities. The center focuses on building vocational and life skills to foster self-reliance and social integration.

Sapuna Subba, a student from Royal Thimphu College who won a bronze medal in para badminton at the 2021 Asian Youth Para Games, expressed her appreciation. “It’s a great opportunity for children like us and for our future. The support we have received here is unforgettable, and I hope to see the same encouragement in the future,” she said.
She added, “I feel glad to see that we are also treated well with opportunities, and all thanks to the Bhutan Paralympic Committee.”

The BPC’s core mission is to inspire individuals with disabilities and provide avenues to participate and excel in sports. Events such as the Paralympic Festival play a vital role in promoting social inclusion and empowering persons with disabilities in Bhutan.

Sonam Dorji, a parent of one of the participants, shared his personal thoughts. “Watching my daughter smile as she plays and connects with her friends through sports at the Paralympics fills my heart with joy. It’s not just about winning, it’s about belonging, growing, and seeing her truly happy. As a parent, I couldn’t ask for more,” he said.

“I am deeply grateful to the Bhutan Paralympic Committee for organizing this event. It’s heartening to see our children being given the same opportunities and recognition as others. This festival has not only uplifted their spirits but also strengthened our belief in an inclusive future,” he added.

The sentiments of participants, parents, and educators reflect the broader impact of the festival. Initiatives like the National Paralympic Festival are instrumental in creating a more inclusive society by offering meaningful engagement, visibility, and empowerment to children and youth with disabilities.