Over 50 participants from 27 countries completed different courses to become World Academy of Sports (WAoS) trainers, World Para Powerlifting educators, national referees and national classifiers, as well as in elite coaching and an international referee refresher.

The courses are integral to developing the sport both across the region and on a global scale.

The increasing number of educators and trainers with a Paralympic background ensures that an increased number of courses across regions can take place in the future.

“It was an incredible experience for me," said Troy Engle, who successfully completed the WAoS trainer course.

"I hope it was a rewarding experience for the incredible group of educators.

“They say that "when one person teaches, two people learn" and the sessions were great learning opportunities for all of us.

"Moreover, the chance to interact and get to know such a diverse group of men and women from around the globe, all bound by a devotion to the Paralympic Movement was nothing short of amazing."

Thanks to the agreement with the DSCD, and with the support of the Agitos Foundation, the development arm of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), World Para Powerlifting also launched the second edition of its anti-doping programme called Raise the Bar, say NO! to Doping.

Up to 200 athletes and team officials are being educated in Dubai this weekend about the importance of clean sport and related areas such as the prohibited list, the doping control process, the rights, responsibilities and roles of the athlete, support personnel and National Paralympic Committees in Anti-Doping.

The Fazza 2017 World Para Powerlifting World Cup will take place in Dubai from tomorrow (February 27) to March 3 with 190 athletes from 33 countries participating.