"Go! Go! Go!" High-pitched yet thunderous cheers erupt from the sidelines. The kindergarten and first-grade students at the Awakening Special Universal Education School (Alice Project Bodhgaya branch) are finally getting their turn. As they navigate a simple obstacle course with intense focus, their older peers can't help but be swept up in the excitement, shouting encouragement for the youngest members of their school community.
Learning through movement
On March 23, 2026, this sports meet marked a first for the school, organized by Tzu Chi volunteers to provide a practical dimension to the students' education. The idea sparked during classroom lessons about the Olympics. Rinku Chakma, a local staff member, noticed that many students—particularly those coming from public school backgrounds—had no concept of what the Olympic Games were. "We wanted the students to have a first-hand experience," Rinku explained.
The timing was also intentional. Following recent exams, teachers were occupied with grading, leaving students with little structured activity. Hui Lee Cheok (石慧麗), a volunteer from Malaysia, felt this was a missed opportunity for growth.
"Instead of letting the children's time go to waste, why not give them an unforgettable learning experience?" Cheok suggested. With the school’s enthusiastic approval, the volunteers mobilized to plan an event that balanced physical exertion with character building.
To accommodate the large student body, the competitions were split between two areas. One hundred and five students from the kindergarten, first grade, and sixth through eighth grades competed on the main field, while 47 students from grades two through five held their events in a smaller space.
Seeds of wisdom and health
The morning air in Bodh Gaya was crisp, carrying the scent of fresh grass following recent rains. Twenty-two international and local volunteers, joined by six youth volunteers and four staff members, arrived at the school via auto-rickshaws. They passed golden wheat fields ready for harvest—a reminder of the importance of timing. Just as farmers sow and reap according to the seasons, the volunteers viewed these young years as the "golden time" for the children to harvest knowledge and values.
Inside the school gates, the lush greenery and playground equipment reflected a commitment to holistic development. A small, serene stupa on the grounds added a sense of peace to the lively atmosphere.
Preparation began immediately. Chuey Shan Lee (李翠珊), a volunteer from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) in Malaysia, set up a hydration station with electrolyte drinks cooled by ice.
We have prepared first-aid supplies, oral rehydration salts (ORS) for hydration, and bandages for any cuts or falls. We also have ice packs for sprains and basic monitors for blood pressure and blood sugar. We are here to serve everyone.— Chuey Shan Lee, TIMA Volunteer
Nearby, other volunteers arranged prize ceremony items and tied colored ribbons around the students' wrists to designate their teams. The children looked at their ribbons with wide smiles, their eyes bright with anticipation.
LEFT: In the “Passing on Love” activity, participants held a marble on spoon with one hand behind their back. They carefully navigated around obstacles and passed the marbles to the next person. RIGHT: During the "human knot" puzzle activity, everyone was tangled up in a knot. The more they tried to untie it, the tighter their hands gripped; it took calm thinking to untie it. | Photos: Chiung-Yu Liu
Unity in competition
The ceremony began with a solemn rendition of the national anthem. Principal Bharjmohan Pandit addressed the assembly, noting that physical activity is an essential counterpart to academic knowledge. To open the games, the principal and several students held a symbolic " torch" aloft—cleverly crafted from a bamboo tube and an electronic light to ensure it wouldn't blow out—as the school pledged to participate with honesty and team spirit.
The first event, a "cooperation race," required pairs to walk back-to-back while balancing a ball between them. Some pairs glided forward in perfect sync, while others moved with comical caution.
Deepak Kumar, a teacher and alumnus of the school, watched with pride. He returned to teach at his alma mater because of the love and education he received there as a child.
Every activity today is interesting and beneficial. I especially liked the jumping activity and the ball-balancing race. They teach the children how to coordinate their bodies and work together. I want to pass on the education and love I received here to these students.— Deepak Kumar, Teacher
Next came a test of individual focus: balancing a marble on a spoon while navigating a row of tables. The sidelines went quiet as classmates held their breath, fearing a loud cheer might cause a marble to drop.
"This activity was great because it taught us patience," said student Lalu Kumar after successfully finishing. "It taught us not to panic, but to stay calm and steady to complete a task."
Despite competing barefoot on the grass, the children’s laughter never wavered. Masum Chakma, another teacher, noted that while textbooks fill the mind, these games "cleanse the spirit," making the children feel happier and more energetic.
A shared vision for the future
The finale involved a "human knot" puzzle, where groups of students tangled their arms and had to untwist themselves without letting go. Some groups disentangled themselves in seconds, while others ended up in even more complex knots, sparking bouts of laughter from the spectators.
To finish, Hui Lee Cheok, added a special challenge for the older students in the younger group, inviting them to jump over a 30-centimeter-high table. She had carefully assessed their physical ability and asked for their consent first. When they cleared the jump, the crowd erupted.
While there were winners, the focus remained on "Perseverance, Courage, Contentment, and Gratitude"—the names given to the teams. Principal Pandit observed that while the school prioritizes meditation and inner cultivation, these sports are an extension of the same discipline.
The partnership between the Alice Project and Tzu Chi began in 2025. The Alice Project was founded by Italian educators Valentino Giacomin and Luigina de Biasi to teach students to move beyond racial and religious barriers. When Dr. Giacomin visited the Tzu Chi office in Bodh Gaya seeking support for the school’s funding, he found a shared philosophy.
Sio Kee Hong (蘇祈逢), Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor, and volunteer Raymond Kuo (郭糧鳴) visited the school and were moved by the students’ hunger for knowledge despite the simple facilities. Since then, Tzu Chi has provided scholarships and weekly character education classes.
As the day ended with the sign language song "One Family," the barriers of language and culture seemed to vanish. Whether in the classroom or on the playing field, the goal remained the same: to provide these children with the tools and the heart to build a brighter future.
Written by Pai-Chiu Tsai (蔡白球)
