Dr Ali Rabiei, Minister of Cooperatives Labour and Social Welfare, was joined by Dr Hassan Qazizadeh Hashemi, President of State Welfare Organisation of Iran, on the visit.

Iranian National Paralympic Committee chiefs welcomed the pair as they met athletes at the camp for sitting volleyball, boccia, swimming and goalball.

After their visit, the two officials met representatives from the four sports' Federations.

"One of the Ministry's roles is to support youth and issues surrounding impairment," said Rabiei.

"Sports and Para-athletes' life improvement have a meaningful association and we should take this into consideration."

He added: "Sports is one dimension and another aspect is to provide facilities for the people with disabilities to empower them to do sports; although I believe all the supports provided so far are not suffice and we have yet some weakness."

The Games are due to take place in the South Korean city of Incheon from October 18 to 24.

Around 4,500 athletes from 41 countries are expected to compete in 23 sports.

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