Representatives from National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) in Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and host country Kazakhstan gathered in Almaty for the latest phase of an Organisational Capacity Programme (OCP).

This is designed to strengthen areas including governance, marketing and athlete development.

Enabling the NPCs to diversify their funding streams is another goal.

The latest group of countries is the fifth to benefit since the OCP was launched in February 2014.

More than 1,000 people from 39 countries have been involved to date.

Car giant Toyota are supporting the scheme as part of their role as a Worldwide Paralympic Partner.

Sir Philip Craven, IPC President, said: "Toyota have shown a strong commitment to the Paralympic Movement since they became a Worldwide Partner in 2015 and the first partner to support all NPCs.

"They have a particular passion for helping to develop Para-sport and their support of the OCP will go a long way towards equipping smaller NPCs with the tools they need to grow.

"We are confident that the impact of their involvement with the Agitos Foundation will be felt for years to come. 

"I would like to thank them, and the host National Paralympic Committee of Kazakhstan, for their contribution to this important programme."

At the meeting in Almaty, the OCP was introduced to the countries with each NPC giving a presentation on current activities.

The sharing of knowledge and best practice was an important part of proceedings, as well as analysis of current strengths and weaknesses.

Every NPC will now nominate a Programme Lead, who will be responsible for delivering national workshops over a two-year period.

The Programme Leads will attend a training session in Astana in May before they begin their work.