Coinciding with the ‘One Year to Go’ milestone for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, that will feature the largest Para sport programme in Commonwealth Games history, this camp demonstrates our unwavering commitment to inclusion, development and opportunity for Para athletes across the region.

GAPS is not just a training programme; it is a movement dedicated to building inclusive sport pathways and fostering social change throughout the Commonwealth. By equipping Para athletes and Coaches with essential skills, knowledge, and resources, GAPS empowers participants to break barriers, transform perceptions, and uplift their communities through sport.

This week’s camp welcomed 8 Para athletes and 18 Coaches from six Caribbean nations—Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. 

A highlight of the camp saw Athletes competing across Para Athletic disciplines, showcasing their learnings from the camp while also gaining their Para sport classification - an essential step toward participating in major international competitions.

The camp was delivered in partnership with the University of the West Indies, the Jamaica Paralympic Association and the Jamaica Commonwealth Games Association. 

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Commonwealth Sport President Dr Donald Rukare provided a virtual welcome to the athletes attending the GAPS camp

Christopher Samuda, President of the Jamaica Paralympic Association and the Jamaica Commonwealth Games Association, welcomed the Athletes to the camp with inspirational words of support:

“Hosting the second of the GAPS camp in Jamaica marks another milestone in our mission to expand opportunities for Para athletes and coaches across the region. The GAPS Programme revolutionises attitudes, empowers aspirations, and nurtures bonds and friendships that last a lifetime. Through sport, it enables Para athletes to make the impossible possible and become true embodiments of greatness. This achievement would not be possible without the tireless commitment of our partners - Commonwealth Sport, and UWI - whose passion and vision have been truly inspirational. We look forward to this being a successful camp for Para athletes and Coaches in our region.”

Ryan Braithwaite, Regional Development Manager for the Americas and Caribbean at Commonwealth Sport, added:

“The GAPS Programme is a powerful testament to our belief that sport drives social change. As we celebrate the ‘One Year to Go’ countdown to Glasgow 2026 and its most ambitious Para sport programme yet, it is thrilling to see new countries join the GAPS family. This growing momentum in the Caribbean is exactly what we hope for: greater participation, stronger pathways, and Para athletes and Coaches who are empowered to reach their full potential on the Commonwealth stage.”

As the countdown begins for Glasgow 2026, Commonwealth Sport remains committed to ensuring that all Athletes - regardless of ability or circumstance - have the freedom, support, and opportunity to excel, connect, and inspire through sport.