Thinley Namgay

The day-long Olympic Day Celebration at the Phuentsholing Sports Association’s Ground yesterday saw the participation of 1,200 students, who were introduced to Sports Science.

Organised by the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC), this year’s celebration, unlike in the past, focused on Sports Science. The past editions of the Olympic Day stressed on fun activity.

A BOC official said that 800 students were divided into 10 groups and introduced to all 10 different sports, letting them learn and enjoy each sport for 30 minutes each.

Sports Science is a discipline that studies how the healthy human body works during exercise, and how sports and physical activity promote health and performance.

The remaining 400 students engaged in the fun run to spread awareness of Olympic values such as saying no to drugs and promoting sports for all.

A BOC senior programme officer, Tshering Zangmo, said the Sports Science was crucial to assess the level of fitness among all youth in schools.

According to Tshering, it is to provide personalised sports recommendations and strategic interventions for youth based on their fitness levels, body types, and talent based on collected data.

“It is also to develop clear and focused pathways for talent identification and development, which will hopefully lead to a vibrant sporting culture among the youth and help develop elite talent from a young age,” Tshering Zangmo said.

She said that the Sports Science team was collecting data, which includes information on body type, fitness levels, genetic factors, dietary habits, and participation in sports activities. This is the pilot programme of the BOC.

Various sports and educational activities were conducted to mark the day.

The Olympic Day celebration in different schools and dzongkhags every year  also helps introduce young people to sports and also bridge the regional gaps in the country in terms of sporting opportunities.

The Olympic day is usually celebrated in June, but it was preponed to avoid inconveniences caused by the monsoon.

His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, the President of the BOC, graced the event. Officials from 10 sports federations, and other relevant officials, and residents also took part in the event.

The day is celebrated in more than 160 countries to promote fitness and well-being, in addition to the Olympic ideals of fair play, perseverance, and sportsmanship.

The first Olympic Day was celebrated on June 23, 1948.