Bhutan marked a significant step towards inclusive education with the launch of its first-ever Unified Champion School (UCS) Competition yesterday, bringing together students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in a celebration of unity through sport.
The three-day program features 271 students from pioneering inclusive schools including Changangkha MSS, Dechenchholing HSS, Draktsho-Thimphu, Drugyel PS, Kamji CS, Loselling MSS, Motithang HSS, Samtengang PS, Sherabgatshel PS and Tendruk CS. They will compete as teammates in athletics, bocce and futsal under the Special Olympics Unified Sports model which promotes teamwork, mutual respect and shared success.
UCS is a global initiative that promotes inclusive school environments through unified sports, leadership development and whole-school engagement. Through this platform, students are encouraged to recognise their own strengths and understand that every learner deserves the opportunity to reach their potential.
Addressing the program as the Chief Guest, the Honโble Lyonpo highlighted that creating inclusive environments not only support students with disabilities but also nurture compassionate, confident and socially responsible citizens for the future.
According to the President of Special Olympics Bhutan, the event is a defining moment for Bhutan, where our values and national spirit of compassion guide us toward becoming a regional model for inclusion.
The Ministry recognises Sports and Physical Activities (SPA) as an integral part of holistic education. The introduction of UCS programs is expected to strengthen SPA by ensuring that sports become a space where no child is left out and every student feels valued.
The event organised by the Ministry and Special Olympics Bhutan was attended by the Ministryโs Dasho Secretary, representatives from UNICEF Bhutan, Embassy of India- Thimphu and Special Olympics Bharat, and parents of participating students.
The UCS program is supported by a wide network of national and international partners including the Bhutan Olympic Committee, Bhutan Paralympic Committee, SELWA, UNICEF Bhutan, the Indian Embassy in Bhutan, the Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, Lions Clubs International Foundation, Special Olympics Bharat (India), and Special Olympics Asia Pacific. Together, these organisations are working to ensure that students with IDD are fully included in both school and community life.
