The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) and Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) has signed a memorandum of understanding to set up sports scholarships for students in colleges.
Every year, 20 scholarships would be provided in the various colleges of the RUB to study diploma or under graduate programs.
The press release from RUB said the scholarships are especially for talented young sport enthusiasts who have demonstrated the highest level of performance in sports and games and interested to continue their academic pursuit.
The candidates passing class XII examination and meeting the basic minimum criteria for admission set by the RUB would be eligible in selection process, the RUB release adds.
Further the release says that the scholarships provided would be over and above the total number of students admitted through the online admission system for government scholarships and fee paying students.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor of RUB, Dasho Pema Thinley, assured that the progam would support young people interested in sports.
The BOC press release states, “The purpose is to encourage deserving young persons who demonstrate the highest level of achievement and potential in sports, and give them an opportunity to pursue their academic dreams, while also simultaneously enabling them to participate actively in sports.”
The secretary general of BOC said that, “by recognizing young persons who excel in sport and providing opportunities for further improvement in both sports and academics would contribute to promoting a vibrant values sporting culture which is crucial for the broadening of the sports base”.
The release from RUB adds that with sports and games will encourage interpersonal relationships, personal growth and self esteem, an appreciation for regular exercise, and emotional control of student.
It also states that with such healthy culture, active participation can have positive effect to improve student’s concentration, memory, behavior and academic performance.
RUB believes that with athlete students in colleges, they can help the colleges to promote partnerships between the colleges and local community. As well the active engagement in sports and games helps students to keep away from problems, substance abuse, and other social evils.
The scholarships expects to engage youth in sports to move on to career beyond sports as the athletes as well as national athletes to prepare for major international games and competitions while undergoing their studies in country, RUB press release states. It adds that such initiative will encourage more youths to participate actively in sports as well as youths would gain support from the parents.
The agreement is to stay in for a period of three years and then renew upon its possibilities. The agreement also states that BOC will bear the tuition fee and stipend to the concerned colleges at the existing government rates for the period of the study.
