Introduction of Blind Football and Goalball at Muenselling Institute, Khaling, Trashigang
The Bhutan Paralympic Committee is committed to fostering an inclusive environment by creating opportunities for every Bhutanese individual living with impairments to participate in and excel through para-sports.
We believe that everyone deserves the right to play and experience the power of sport, regardless of their impairments. Para-sports are open to individuals with physical, intellectual, and visual impairments, encouraging participation, growth, and empowerment.
In line with this vision, the Bhutan Paralympic Committee initiated a program to introduce Blind Football and Goalball at Muenselling Institute, Khaling, Trashigang, under the theme “Strength Beyond Sight.”
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The program was graced by the Chief Dzongkhag Education Officer. The program began with the national anthem followed by traditional Marching Ceremony.
Any meaningful change begins in schools, and the education sector plays a vital role in promoting awareness, as it has the widest reach to the masses.
While education is essential, sports must also be encouraged not only to promote good health, but also to build teamwork, communication, and collaboration.
The Muenselling Institute, located in Khaling, Trashigang was established in 1973 under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Namgyal Wangchuck. It began with just three students, one from Trashigang and two from Pema Gatshel under the leadership of its first principal, Einar Kippenes from Norway, supported by his wife and a Bhutanese teacher.
Initially known as the “School for the Blind,” the institute’s name evolved over time, becoming Zangley Muenselling School for the Blind, then the National Institute for the Disabled, later the National Institute for the Visually Impaired, and finally, Muenselling Institute. Today, it offers academic programs designed for children who are blind or have low vision, with Braille instruction forming a core part of its curriculum.
Beyond academics, the students of Muenselling Institute are exceptionally talented, particularly in music—many excel at playing instruments and singing. Recognizing the importance of sports alongside academics and the arts, the Bhutan Paralympic Committee introduced Blind Football and Goalball at the institute, creating new opportunities for students with visual impairments to engage in physical activity, teamwork, and competition.
During the event, students and teachers from Muenselling Institute, Khaling Lower Secondary School, and Jigme Sherubling Higher Secondary School came together to participate.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement as students whispered to each other about the jingling sound of the sound ball . The pleasant weather added to the success of the program, making the day even more enjoyable.
The participants were divided into six groups—three for blind football and three for goalball. Within the blind football teams, sub-groups practiced specific drills such as dribbling, shooting, and penalty shootouts. Similarly, the goalball teams were divided into smaller groups to focus on diving and blocking, attacking and throwing, as well as familiarizing themselves with the arena.
Each group practiced for five minutes before rotating to the next activity. Once the drills were completed, the students came together for real matches, putting their newly learned skills into action and experiencing the thrill of true competition.
The students enthusiastically participated in both blind football and goalball, showcasing not only their energy but also their teamwork and determination throughout the games. Once the matches came to an end, the two groups divided into the blind football team and the goalball team took a short break to relax and regain their energy. The atmosphere during the break was filled with excitement, laughter, and cheerful conversations as the students shared their experiences from the field.
Meanwhile, a special cultural performance was organized to keep the audience entertained and to highlight the diverse talents of the students. A group of skillful performers played traditional musical instruments, filling the space with rhythmic melodies and presented a beautiful song composed within the institute itself, which carried meaningful lyrics and a heartfelt message. Their performance demonstrated the creativity and artistic abilities of the students alongside their sporting skills.
Muenselling Institute serves as a center for children living with visual impairment. The Bhutan Paralympic Committee (BPC) believes that the Institute will play a key role as the principal center for promoting and creating awareness about the Paralympic movement and para-sports.
There is often a misconception that individuals with visual impairment have little or no opportunity to engage in sports. However, this is far from the truth. Everybody, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to explore, enjoy, and participate in sports. In line with this belief, the persons with visual impairment can actively take part in a wide range of para-sports such as blind football, goalball, and many other disciplines specifically designed for athletes with vision impairment.
The main objective of the visit to Muenselling Institute was to introduce blind football and goalball, while also nurturing the hope and vision that the Institute will continue to provide opportunities for children to explore sports. In the long run, the initiative aspires to pave the way for nurturing talented athletes with visual impairment who can proudly represent Bhutan at national, regional, and international sporting platforms.
In this regard, Muenselling Institute will establish a dedicated sports club. The formation of this club will not only ensure continuity and sustainability of the games but will also ignite enthusiasm and create greater opportunities for children to participate. Recognizing that words alone are not enough, BPC further extended its support by donating essential sports equipment to kick-start the club and empower the Institute in this new endeavor.
The Bhutan Paralympic Committee firmly believes that such awareness programs play a crucial role in educating the public about para-sports and breaking long-standing stereotypes surrounding disability and participation in sports. Through these initiatives, BPC aspires to foster greater inclusivity and recognition for athletes with impairments.
Looking ahead, the Bhutan Paralympic Committee envisions that the initiative will help nurture a pool of talented athletes who will not only excel in their respective disciplines but also proudly represent the Bhutan Paralympic Committee and the nation on larger platforms, both regionally and internationally.
