Funded by the Grant Support Programme of the Agitos Foundation, the development arm of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the project, called "Extension of the Paralympic Movement in Benin", intends to raise awareness among potential athletes and as a result, inform and influence the public and local Government to support future activities.

In 2014, around €650,000 (£513,000/$829,0000) was given to projects around the world to develop Para-sport through the Grant Support Programme.

The first two Paralympic days were held last month, in the Zou-Coullines region of Ouidah and the neighbouring city of Abomey, and proved to be a great success.

Georges Seriki, secretary general of the Benin NPC, said: "This project has enabled our NPC to perform an activity that has been in its action plan for three years without funding.

"It is now possible to develop the practice of Paralympic sports in three of the six regions of Benin.

"Moreover it allows the Benin NPC to expand its supervisory structures in the regions visited.

"Hopefully next year we will have the funding to cover the remaining three regions.

"Thanks to the Agitos Foundation, thanks to the IPC!"

Wheelchair basketball is one of the three sports demonstrated on the Paralympic days ©Getty Images



In Ouidah, the Mayor officially launched the day with the President of the Benin NPC, Leopold Gbenou, while in Abomey, organisers received a visit from Dah Semiliko Alomangba, a Prince and respected former Minister of the Republic.

All of events feature a conference debate on the Paralympic Movement in Benin supported by evidence from the Benin International Games and the 2013 National Championships.

There are also demonstration events in powerlifting, wheelchair basketball and athletics and large concerts led by artists with impairments, punctuated by the stories of athletes.

Groups have been established in all regions to monitor awareness of Para-sport in Benin as a result of the activities which made it onto the front page of local newspapers.

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