Panama simultaneously hosted a World Para Powerlifting national referee course and a World Para Athletics level two technical officials programme, with the support of the Agitos Foundation, the development arm of the International Paralympic Committee, through its Grant Support Programme.

Thirteen people from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Puerto Rico took part in the former, with eight of them successfully passing it to become certified World Para Powerlifting national referees.

"The course had a good mix of candidates including athletes, coaches and some newly-introduced people to the sport," said World Para Powerlifting educator and Sport Technical Committee chairperson Jon Amos.

"It was especially good to see a reasonable percentage of women attending, which strengthens the vision of World Para Powerlifting and actively promotes the intent to involve more women in our sport, at all levels and in varying capacities.

"There were some excellent results achieved by some of the candidates, which can only benefit and support the continued growth of the sport throughout the Americas as it continues to increase the number of events taking place across the region."

There were 21 participants from the same five countries that attended the World Para Athletics level two technical officials programme, which aimed to help develop those at the grassroots level.

Twelve of them passed and will be recommended to their National Paralympic Committees to be used as national technical officials for future competitions.

"This group is by far the most active that I have ever had" said World Para Athletics educator Richard Robert.

"All of the participants have voluntarily contributed from the first day on and the organisers have been very accommodating."

At the same time, a World Para Athletics level three technical officials programme was held in Mexico City, with classroom sessions and practical sessions taking place.

The programme, funded by the German Foreign Office, had nine participants from Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala and Peru, all of whom were already experienced technical officials who had been involved in national events.

Five of them passed the programme and received the certificate of competency.

"Educational programmes like the one in Mexico are fundamental for the development of the Paralympic Movement," said World Para Athletics educator Frederico Nantes.

"It was the first time the course was held in two languages, English and Spanish, at the same time and the progression of the candidates is impressive after participating in both theoretical and practical sessions."

World Para Athletics educator David Weicker added: "We were privileged to facilitate the learning of a group of aspiring technical officials.

"Both Fred and I are very pleased with the progress of them in this course."

The education programmes came just a few months after the completion of the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and hosts Brazil were among the 83 countries to make their mark on the medals table.

Brazil finished eighth in the overall standings with 14 golds, 29 silvers and 29 bronzes, while Cuba came 18th with eight golds, one silver and six bronzes.

Mexico ended up 29th with four golds, two silvers and nine bronzes, with Colombia 37th thanks to a haul of two golds, five silvers and 10 bronzes.