Persons with disabilities from four eastern dzongkhangs took part in the event

Neten Dorji | Kanglung

Draktsho East in Trashigang conducted a Paralympics Day for people with disabilities (PWDs) of four eastern dzongkhags on April 24.

This, according to officials, was aimed at changing attitude towards PWDs and to stop stigmatisation.

It was also to encourage PWDs to play sports like sitting volleyball, goalball, para-badminton, five a side football, para athletic and para archery. People using wheelchairs played boccia.

The paralympic festival is an annual event conducted by Bhutan Paralympic Committee.

The committee’s development officer, Choening Delma Tenzin, said the event was organised to promote and advocate the paralympic movement and emphasise the importance of inclusive sports in the country.

She said not many are aware of the paralympic movement. “With this festival, we want to convey the message that PWDs have equal opportunities in sports.”

Principal of Dratsho East, Karma Garab Dorji, said para-sports would help their students showcase their talents and represent the country in para sports at an international level in the future.

Meanwhile, the day was also observed in other three dzongkhags of Trongsa, Bumthang and Mongar and the Bhutan Paralympic Committee handed over sports equipment to the SEN schools and institutes to continue para sports.

Advertisement