On 1st September 2025, Special Olympics Bhutan conducted a Unified Champion Schools (UCS) program at Kamji Central School. The session, attended by all teachers, focused on the importance of sports in creating inclusive opportunities for students with and without disabilities.

The Unified Champion Schools (UCS) initiative is a global Special Olympics movement that uses sports, youth leadership, and whole-school engagement to build inclusive communities. In Bhutan, Special Olympics began implementing this program in March 2025 across nine pilot schools. The program aims to inspire students, teachers, and school leaders to create environments where every child feels respected, included, and empowered to thrive.

At Kamji Central School, the training emphasized the critical role of teachers as drivers of inclusion. Teachers are the first role models for students, and when they are equipped with the right knowledge and values, they can pass it on to the next generation.

The three-hour session featured a presentation and an interactive question-and-answer segment. Discussions centered on how sports can transform the lives of individuals with disabilities and strengthen bonds within the school community. More than 60 teachers actively participated, demonstrating strong commitment to learning how inclusive practices can be applied in their classrooms and beyond.

Through this initiative, Kamji Central School gained valuable insights into how to bring students together and foster a truly unified school environment. Teachers left the session with a deeper appreciation of how the UCS program can change perspectives and build stronger, more compassionate communities.

“Teachers are the torchbearers of inclusion. When they understand and embrace the values of unity, they pass that light on to their students. This program is not just about sports—it is about changing mindsets and building schools where every child belongs,” said Tandin Wangchuk, Program Officer, Special Olympics Bhutan.

By bringing the UCS program to schools like Kamji, Special Olympics Bhutan continues to strengthen its mission of creating opportunities where young people with and without disabilities can learn, play, and succeed together.