The International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) programme has already consisted of two workshops, with the first held at the IPC Powerlifting World Cup in Dubai on March 15 before another during the 2015 IPC Powerlifting Open Americas Championships in Mexico City.

A group of over 30 Para-rowers and coaches - spanning Argentina, Austria, China, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Kenya, Lithuania, Mexico, The Netherlands and Uganda - took part in the latest installment, held in partnership with the IPC’s development-arm, the Agitos Foundation, and World Rowing Federation (FISA).

British Paralympic skier Anna Turney and Athens 2004 Paralympic gold medallist Tim Prendergast of New Zealand led the group through activities, designed to help support the development of aspiring Paralympians in and out of competition.

"Volunteering at the Para-rowing development camp, delivering the Proud Paralympian programme to up and coming para-athletes was a wonderful opportunity to teach about Paralympic history and to highlight the enormous potential of the Paralympics to open people's minds and encourage equality,” Turney said.

“I hope our sessions will help them realise their potential as successful athletes and ambassadors.”

Three sessions were held on the Paralympic Movement, social media and values in sport, with the programme held as part of a week-long development camp for Para-rowing, which featured training sessions, athlete education and an international regatta. 

The Para-rowers were able to attend the event as a result of support from the Agitos Foundation’s 2014 Grant Support Programme, in which €650,000 (£470,000/€738,000) was provided to various development projects to help development Para-sport.

Applications for the 2015 edition of the Grant Support Programme are being accepted by the Agitos Foundation until May 31 via an online portal, with the overcome of the selection process due to be announced on June 30.

Ahead of the official launch in 2016, several Proud Paralympic workshops will be held throughout this year, at powerlifting regional championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in July, and Eger, Hungary in November.

Training camps will be staged in São Paulo, Brazil in June as well as at August's Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games.

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May 2015:  Second workshop of IPC's Proud Paralympian education programme held in Mexico City
April 2015:  2015 Grant Support Programme launched by Agitos Foundation
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