Set to deliver a high-performance experience that aims to achieve immediate goals around participation, qualification and classification for Glasgow 2026, the weeklong GAPS camp is welcoming able bodied and Para athletes from five sports including Weightlifting, Para Powerlifting, Athletics, Bowls and Swimming.

GAPS is an acronym for Gather, Adjust, Prepare and Sustain, established by Commonwealth Sport and Griffith University ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Now a global initiative, the renowned development programme supports inclusive sport pathways throughout the Commonwealth.

In Oceania, it is supported by the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports programme through its collaboration with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), Paralympics Australia (PA) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA).  

Regional Vice President of Commonwealth Sport and CGA CEO Craig Phillips AM noted the opportunity Glasgow 2026 presents for athletes across the region.

"We’re proud to be working with the Australian Government, Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia to deliver development opportunities for able bodied and Para athletes that support their continued preparation and development.

“Our immediate focus is readying athletes for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with almost 70 Athletes and officials together on the Gold Coast this week for GAPS.

“GAPS aims to assist Oceania nations and territories in their pursuit of qualifying Athletes to compete and in the case of Para sport, supports classification.”

He also welcomed the continued investment in and enthusiasm for the program from Commonwealth Sport and Griffith University.

“GAPS would not be possible in Oceania without the continued commitment of Commonwealth Spot and Griffith University,” Phillips added.

“This is a programme that was co-designed by them ahead of Gold Coast 2018 and their continued investment in delivery allows us to partner with the Australian Government to ensure its ongoing success and contribution.”

Phillips’ sentiment was echoed by Katie Sadleir CNZM, Chief Executive at Commonwealth Sport, who highlighted the critical role that GAPS plays not just in Australia and the Pacific region, but across the 74 nations and territories of the Commonwealth.

“Building on our GAPS camp back in July, it’s inspiring to see even more Athletes and Coaches across the Pacific and beyond, representing more sports, coming together to learn, grow and connect. These camps are not only helping Athletes develop their sporting skills, but also supporting them as leaders and role models in their communities.

“As we build towards Glasgow 2026, I’m inspired by how the experiences from this camp could help shape their journeys to the Games. Working alongside our partners, we hope to create opportunities that can genuinely transform lives, removing barriers to participation for people with a disability and for women and girls to become actively involved in sport.”

The week-long GAPS high-performance camp on the Gold Coast will conclude on Friday 18 September, with future events planned in Samoa later this year.