On a crisp morning in 2019, Bhutan witnessed a quiet yet powerful revolution—the first Paralympic Day celebrations. It was more than just an event; it was a declaration of Bhutan’s commitment to inclusiveness, courage, and hope. At the heart of this historic occasion stood Her Royal Highness Ashi Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck, Hon’ble President of the Bhutan Paralympic Committee, whose words that day still echo with purpose and warmth.

“Till about a year ago, many of us… knew little about the Paralympic movement,” she began with humility. But there was no shame in that. Instead, there was clarity. Clarity in acknowledging where we stood, and courage in choosing to walk forward—with resolve, with unity.

Since the establishment of the Bhutan Paralympic Committee in September 2017, a journey had begun. A journey not only to build athletes, but to rebuild societal mindsets, to bring dignity, dreams, and determination to the forefront. Her Royal Highness spoke not just as a leader, but as a listener—listening to those who had long been unseen in our stadiums, absent from our playgrounds, and unheard in our conversations.

She reminded us of a simple truth:
Sport is for everyone. Joy is for everyone. Dignity is for everyone.

Her words were a reflection of Bhutan’s deeper philosophy—Gross National Happiness—and she beautifully tied the power of sports into that vision. Because happiness is incomplete if it does not reach those who live with different abilities. Because wellbeing must be a right, not a privilege.

She acknowledged, with compassion, the stark reality that 2.1% of Bhutan’s population lives with disabilities—over 15,500 people whose potential, stories, and strength deserve recognition. Her message was clear: we must move beyond the boundaries of Thimphu and ensure that opportunities are spread across the nation, reaching every village, every family, every child with a dream.

But she also addressed a deeper issue—one that often goes unspoken:
the quiet social stigma that surrounds disability in our society. With grace and courage, she called it out, not to shame, but to awaken. And she offered a way forward: through awareness, through education, and through celebrating the Paralympic spirit.

Her Royal Highness extended deep gratitude to the global community—the Presidents of the Asian and Korean Paralympic Committees, the founder of the SEISA Group, the Agitos Foundation, and the many stakeholders and volunteers who have walked this path with Bhutan. But most beautifully, she recognized the children, the athletes, and every soul gathered that day, encouraging us all to “join our fight in bringing down barriers and celebrating life.”

And that is what stays with us.

Her speech was not just opening remarks.
It was a seed.
A vision.
A vow.

As we reflect on her words, may we find ourselves called to action—not just as policymakers or practitioners—but as parents, teachers, neighbours, and friends.

Let us remember:
Every step taken toward inclusion is a step toward compassion.
Every sport played with love is a celebration of life.
And every voice—especially those that have long been silent—deserves to be heard, seen, and celebrated.

Tashi Delek to Her Royal Highness.
Tashi Delek to the Bhutan Paralympic Committee.
And Tashi Delek to every child who dares to dream differently.