Kickoff to Campus Life: First-Year Students Take Part in Football and Cultural Show

First-year students at Samtse College of Education were warmly welcomed into campus life through a vibrant mix of sports and cultural activities that celebrated talent, teamwork, and community spirit.

The festivities began on 12 August at the college sports ground with the men’s Welcome Football Match, where first-year students faced a combined team of second and third-year players. Although the newcomers lost 7-1 they demonstrated great enthusiasm and sportsmanship, while the senior team showcased experience and teamwork honed over previous competitions.

The following day, the first-year girls competed against their senior counterparts in a similar match. Their determined and skillful play drew admiration from both peers and faculty, even as they narrowly fell 3-0. The football matches brought together students and staff, highlighting the importance of friendly competition, resilience, and camaraderie. Student Counsellor Namgay Wangchuk said, “The matches helped first-year students connect with their seniors, build confidence and feel part of the college community.”

In addition to the welcome matches, the college also held selection trials for the football, volleyball, and basketball teams for both girls and boys, as part of the Bhutan University Sports Federation (BUSF) tryouts. A large number of first-year students tried out, showcasing their athletic skills, and several were successfully selected to represent the college teams in upcoming competitions.

The welcoming activities culminated on 15 August with a Freshers’ Welcome Show organised by the senior students. The programme featured a variety of cultural performances, including a mix of Rigsar, Tibetan, Boedra, Filipino, English, and Lhotsham songs, entertaining the first-year students while showcasing the college’s multicultural and creative vibrancy. The show concluded with a welcome dinner for all students and staff in the dining hall, as a gesture of unity, hospitality, and the shared spirit of community.

The Dean of Student Affairs, Ramesh Chhetri, said, “These events are designed to help our first-year students feel at home while learning valuable lessons in teamwork, leadership, creativity, and cultural appreciation. They provide opportunities to build friendships, respect diversity, and embrace the many skills and experiences that make college life so enriching.”

Beyond the excitement, these events reinforced the college’s tradition of celebrating new beginnings and provided first-year students with lessons that go far beyond the classroom. From teamwork and resilience to creativity and intercultural understanding, the activities offered a holistic introduction to academic and social life at Samtse College of Education.