𝐁𝐏𝐂 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬

…𝒅𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎 𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚

By Kinzang Lhamo

The Bhutan Paralympic Committee (BPC) launched its official website on May 24, 2025, during the sixth Paralympic Festival, in a move aimed at improving access to information, services, and opportunities related to para sports. The launch event was attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck and marks a milestone for the country’s growing Paralympic movement.

The website is designed to serve as a central hub for the committee’s activities and initiatives. It provides resources tailored to athletes with disabilities, as well as to parents, educators, and stakeholders engaged in Bhutan’s inclusive education and sports sectors. The platform includes details on national programs, upcoming events, accessibility features, and other developments.

Since the introduction of the Paralympic Festival in 2019, participation has grown steadily. The festival has become a platform for children and youth with disabilities to engage in sports and experience greater inclusion, drawing increased attention from schools, communities, and national institutions.

Dasho Dechen Wangmo, Chairperson of Special Olympics Bhutan, underlined the national significance of the launch. “I think the website launched by Her Royal Highness Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck is going to greatly improve accessibility and provide crucial information on the Paralympics, as well as the incredible work being done to bring more inclusion into sports,” she said.

She added that the website would allow users to share stories, programs, and achievements, thereby encouraging wider participation. “This will give more visibility to the work that the Paralympics is doing in Bhutan under the leadership of Her Royal Highness, and I truly hope it opens more doors for persons with disabilities to not only participate but thrive in sports,” she said.

The new website is also expected to support greater engagement through digital tools already common in many schools and homes across Bhutan.

“With the change of time, even the Paralympics have gone digital, and today we had the launch of a website. I feel it will be very beneficial, especially because nowadays even small children are using electronic devices,” said Nima Wangchuk, a teacher at Yangchen Gatshel Middle Secondary School.

He noted that the platform would make information on para sports more accessible. “From the website, we will be able to know about the services, accessibility, and opportunities. It’s all there, and I think it will be beneficial. We are looking forward,” he added.

Teachers at the event also highlighted the importance of ensuring access for children. “The website, which is launched today, if it’s accessible to each child, I feel it will be very beneficial,” said Kinley Lham, a teacher at Drukgyel Primary School.

She emphasized the need for the platform to reach its primary audience. “If it’s just for the teachers and parents, then I feel it would not fulfill the hopes that we have from the website, as it should be mainly for the students. If all the students have access, then it will be very beneficial,” she said.

Tshering Yangzom, Inclusive Education Coordinator at Dechencholing Higher Secondary School, also spoke about the potential of the platform. “As a parent and a teacher, the launch of the Paralympic website seems to be very beneficial, especially when we think about the future scope. I feel this website will be very helpful for children by providing lots of opportunities and possibilities ahead,” she said.

She added that the initiative offers more than information. “The collaboration feels so strong because it provides a real pathway for the children. It’s not just about information; it’s about opening doors and showing them that they have a place in the world of sports. This platform can inspire them to dream bigger and work towards their goals.”

Parents at the event also expressed optimism. Mon Bdr. Gurung, who attended the festival, said, “As a parent, I see this website as something very meaningful. I expect it will help parents like me better understand the kinds of opportunities available for children with disabilities, especially in the field of sports.”

He pointed out the current lack of accessible information. “Often, it’s hard for parents like me to find clear and reliable details about para sports programs and support services available in Bhutan. With this website, I hope to stay informed about upcoming events, training sessions, and ways my son can get involved and grow his skills.”

He added that the website could help create a stronger community. “More importantly, I look forward to seeing how the website will connect families, educators, and athletes, creating a stronger community around para sports. It gives me hope that my son will have access to resources and opportunities that will help him thrive, not just in sports, but in building confidence and friendships as well.”

The launch of the Bhutan Paralympic Committee’s website reflects the country’s increasing focus on inclusivity and support for persons with disabilities. By creating a centralized digital platform, the committee aims to enhance public awareness, provide relevant resources, and strengthen the support network around para sports in Bhutan.