The meeting was hosted by IWAS Executive Board member Tariq Sultan Ahmed Alkadim in the city of Sharjah, home of the Al Thiqah Club for the Handicapped and location for the 2011 IWAS World Games.

It also included updates on bids for upcoming events as well as governance, financial and membership matters.

Following the meeting, the Board held talks with Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

Among the issues discussed were support for future projects, development of sport in the UAE and the hosting of future IWAS events.

Upon request of the Crown Prince, the Board members were introduced to the Sharjah Center for Astronomy & Space Sciences, a world-renowned facility linked to the Al Qasimia University.

They also visited the Al Thiqah Club for the Handicapped in view of continuing co-operation and future ventures with IWAS.

The IWAS Regional Office, which is located in the Club, gave the Board members an opportunity to hear about current projects as well as future plans to develop sport and nations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). 

"IWAS extends its thanks to IWAS Board member, Dr. Tariq Sultan Ahmed Alkadim, for his and his team's work to host a productive Executive Board meeting," the organisation said in a statement.

"We look forward to working towards the goals discussed at the meeting and continued co-operation between IWAS and the IWAS Regional Office."

The entry system for the 2017 IWAS World Games is now open with more information, including the invitation and entry information pack, available here.

Vila Real de Santo António was named as the new host of the seventh edition of the Games in March, following the withdrawal of Sharjah. 

It was announced in December of last year that Sharjah would stage the event at the Al Thiqah Club for the Handicapped, but IWAS confirmed that the city had pulled out due to an inability to secure the financial support needed to fulfil the responsibilities of its proposal.

Vila Real de Santo António Complexo Desportivo, located in the Eastern Algarve in Southern Portugal, will stage all sports on the programme, which includes archery, athletics, Para-taekwondo, swimming and table tennis.

It offers a wide variety of sporting facilities at the acclaimed High-Performance Training Centre.

IWAS President Paul DePace said he is excited to bring the Games, which are scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 6, to the Vila Real de Santo António Complexo Desportivo for the first time.

"The event, which has the full support of the nation’s IWAS member, Federação Portuguesa de Desporto para Pessoas com Deficiência (FPDD), will bring a wide variety of sports, giving an opportunity to new athletes to experience the value of the IWAS World Games," he said.

"We greatly look forward to welcoming the athletes and staff of the IWAS membership to Portugal later in the year."