Dubai, Jul 22 (IANS): In a bid to assess the current situation across the region owing to coronavirus, Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) President Majid Rashed is holding series of virtual meetings with the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) chiefs and, discussing the effects of the pandemic on the Paralympic Movement in their countries.

Over the past three weeks, 25 NPCs have participated in the online meetings so far which are also attended by APC CEO Tarek Souei, with more meetings scheduled in the coming days. The meetings are aimed at learning about how the NPCs and athletes are coping with these difficult times and how activities related to Paralympic Movement have been affected due to the current situation.

The meetings have also discussed several ways in which the APC can support and help the NPCs and their athletes return to their pre-lockdown levels. Moreover, the APC President has been keen to discover if governments have considered para-athletes equally with their Olympic counterparts following his recent call for equal treatment.

The NPCs also shared with the APC initiatives, programmes and steps they have taken either to offer assistance to the needy during these difficult times or to help their athletes stay physically and mentally strong at their homes.

Expressing his satisfaction over the series of meetings, APC President Rashed said: "The meetings so far have been very fruitful and I am happy with the number of NPCs taking part in this initiative. It is an important time for us to stay connected with each other that will also keep us stronger. It's been pleasing to hear that so far, governments have been even-handed in their treatment of para-athletes and we are grateful for this.

The initiatives and measures taken by some of the NPCs are also quite commendable. On the other hand, we also understand the situation of a few NPCs and look to support them in every way during this testing time."

The APC President will continue the meetings with the remaining NPCs in the next few weeks. In the coming months, the APC is planning a Webinar series on several topics for NPCs and athletes, using experts from right across the para-sport landscape.