The CIP say the fund is aimed at supporting organisations impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and encourage the gradual recovery of the sport activity.

"We are speeding up the administrative work to allow this €5 million to be transferred as soon as possible to all those grassroots sports which are experiencing a severe crisis," said Luca Pancalli, CIP President.

"Some of these are no longer able to guarantee the Paralympic activities.

"It is a risk that we cannot take.

"Thousands of girls and boys with disabilities experience sport as one of the few tools for socialising and well-being.

"Fortunately, thanks to the precious work done daily by the federations and the sports disciplines, we can count on a well-run machine.

"We want to make sure that these resources arrive in times of need."

Federations will be tasked with identifying the beneficiaries of support and the amount of the contribution.

This will be determined under specific criteria approved by the CIP Board, with the organisation then paying the sums.

Associations and amateur sports clubs based in Italy and are registered with either the CIP or the Italian National Olympic Committee will be able to access funding.

The organisations must have carried out Paralympic activities in 2019.

The CIP say federations must take into account the number of members and the actual participation of the amateur sports associations and societies in activity.

It is hoped the funds can be made available by July.