In March 2005, 25 coaches from 11 developing nations visited Melbourne to learn how to better train Elite Athletes with a disability (EAD).

Hosted by the Victorian Institute of Sport, the coaches spent four days finding out about specialised training regimens, fitness techniques and nutrition, and participating in practical sessions with Australia's leading Olympic and Paralympic coaches and athletes.

The course focused on the four sports that in the EAD program of the 2006 Commonwealth Games - track and field, table tennis, power lifting and swimming.

Nations represented were Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Vanuatu, Fiji, Lesotho, Tonga, Mauritius, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea and Samoa.

Among the coaches were former Paralympians, career coaches and local sports development officers. Three members of the Sri Lankan military also took part, so they can encourage injured soldiers to become disabled athletes.

Having received internationally recognised accreditation for completing the course, the coaches are now applying what they've learnt to help their EAD athletes achieve their best in March 2006 and beyond.