The GAPS programme remains central to this work. It provides Para athletes and Coaches with access to skills, knowledge and training environments that would otherwise be limited. Created by Commonwealth Sport and Griffith University in South East Queensland, the programme now operates in Africa, Europe, Oceania and the Americas through partnerships with Stellenbosch University, the University of Birmingham, University of Western of Scotland, Western University and the University of the West Indies. Its purpose is clear. Support Athletes. Equip Coaches. Strengthen pathways. Build pride. 

Progress across the regions 

A significant moment in the growth of the programme took place in November 2024 when the Mauritius Commonwealth Games Association hosted a Global GAPS Camp focused on Para Athletics. Fifty-one Para athletes and Coaches from 21 Commonwealth nations and territories took part. The camp represented all six Commonwealth regions and included a dedicated wheelchair racing group supported by experienced Coaches. WADA Africa also delivered an anti-doping education session for the first time. The scale and structure of the camp underscored the continued evolution of GAPS into a consistent and pan-Commonwealth pathway for Para sport. 

In 2025 the GAPS programme expanded further. In May a GAPS camp was held in Vanuatu with 59 participants including Para athletes and Coaches. The camp combined technical training with coaching education, medical support and wellbeing guidance. Para athletes also had the opportunity to compete in the Vanuatu Para Athletics Championships which provided valuable competition experience. 

In July a major GAPS camp took place on the Gold Coast in Australia. Para athletes and Coaches from across the Pacific completed a week of high-performance training at Griffith University. The programme included personalised coaching, nutrition and recovery support and mental preparation aimed at preparing athletes for upcoming qualification and classification events. The week concluded with the Australian Para Powerlifting Championships. 

A second Gold Coast camp followed in September with more than sixty Para athletes and Coaches from across Oceania. Training was delivered in Weightlifting, Para Powerlifting, Athletics, Bowls and Swimming. The camp strengthened regional capability and supported preparation for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

Earlier in 2025 a GAPS Africa Para Sport camp was held at Stellenbosch University. Forty Para athletes and Coaches from 14 African nations took part in training across Para Athletics and Para Powerlifting as well as Coach development, nutrition education and Athlete leadership workshops. 

Together, these camps show how GAPS has developed, providing opportunities for Para athletes and Coaches to expand ahead of regional and international competition including the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

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Strength on the world stage 

Commonwealth Para athletes continue to produce strong performances at major international events including World Para Athletics and World Para Powerlifting competitions. Their results demonstrate the ongoing progress of Para sport across all regions and the commitment of Athletes and Coaches to improving preparation and performance. 

The Commonwealth Games remain one of the few major multi-sport events where Para athletes and non-Para athletes compete in a fully integrated programme. Every medal carries equal value toward national success. This model sets a clear standard for inclusion and reinforces the belief that opportunity and recognition should be shared equally. 

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Looking ahead 

The GAPS programme began in 2016 to support Pacific Island Athletes preparing for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. It has since grown into a global network that has supported more than six hundred Athletes and Coaches and continues to expand through collaboration and long-term investment. 

Glasgow 2026 will build on this work with a record number of Para athlete medal events across multiple sports, reinforcing the Commonwealth commitment to inclusion, access and equal opportunity. 

On the International Day of Persons with a Disability Commonwealth Sport honours every Para athlete whose dedication and resilience strengthen the Movement. Their achievements demonstrate the power of shared opportunity and the impact of inclusive sport across the Commonwealth.