Representing Para Athletics and Para Powerlifting, the athletes are taking part in the GAPS Ayr Training Camp from 16–24 July, hosted by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) in partnership with Commonwealth Sport, South Ayrshire Council and a network of university partners from across the Commonwealth. Bupa is supporting as the Official Healthcare Principal Partner of both the GAPS Programme and Glasgow 2026.

GAPS – Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain – is a unique partnership programme between Commonwealth Sport and universities across the Commonwealth, designed to strengthen inclusive sport pathways through coach and athlete development. The programme brings together athletes and coaches from diverse cultures and backgrounds, creating an environment where knowledge is shared, friendships are formed and confidence grows in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games.

The impact of GAPS is now being realised on the international stage. At the heart of GAPS is a simple belief: every person with a disability should have the freedom to choose sport -free from stigma, free from barriers and free to realise their potential.

At the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, eight GAPS athletes won medals, including Palitha Bandara of Sri Lanka and Hellen Kariuki of Kenya.

Bandara made history as Sri Lanka's first-ever Commonwealth Games medallist in Para sport, becoming a trailblazer for disability sport in his country. Kariuki became Kenya's first Commonwealth Games Para Powerlifting medallist and, having attended seven GAPS camps, continues to inspire the next generation of athletes across Africa.

Today, both athletes trained together in Ayr as they prepare to compete once again at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, said: "Watching these athletes and coaches train in Ayr today, just days before competing on the biggest stage in Commonwealth sport, was truly inspirational.

"The GAPS programme creates an environment where athletes and coaches build incredible friendships and trust in just a few days, yet will soon compete against one another in Glasgow.

"No other programme creates such a unique and world-leading environment for preparing athletes and coaches while strengthening inclusive sport pathways across the Commonwealth."

For Ghanaian heavyweight Para Powerlifter Tahiru Haruna, Glasgow 2026 will mark his Commonwealth Games debut.

Haruna said: "To be here in Scotland is very exciting. I've been reunited with old friends and made new ones from the Caribbean, Oceania and Asia.

"I love being surrounded by so many different cultures. Everyone is so welcoming, and I've learned so much from other coaches while also helping my fellow GAPS athletes.

"The GAPS programme makes sure no one is left behind."

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “We're immensely proud to be working with Commonwealth Sport to deliver the GAPS programme at our Ayr campus. It's a fantastic opportunity not only to support these exceptional para-athletes and coaches as they prepare for Glasgow 2026, but also to demonstrate our commitment to inclusion, widening participation and creating opportunities that transform lives through the power of sport and education. 

“Our values align closely with those of the GAPS programme, particularly our shared commitment to breaking down barriers and helping people realise their full potential. Seeing athletes from so many nations training together, sharing knowledge and building lasting friendships demonstrates what can be achieved when we work in partnership, particularly as we seek to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We wish every athlete the very best as they go on to represent their countries at the Commonwealth Games."

Fiona Bosman, Global Brand Director from Bupa said: “At Bupa, we believe that every person should be able to access sport and its power to support our health. As part of our growing commitment to encourage more people to experience the health benefits of movement and fulfil their potential, we’re proud to be partnering with the Commonwealth Sport GAPS Programme as the Official Healthcare Principal Partner.

“Through this collaboration between Bupa and Commonwealth Sport, we’re advocating for greater access to sport, supporting inspirational athletes from around the world, and hoping to encourage more people to take part in physical activity no matter their background or ability.”

South Ayrshire Council’s Policy Lead for Leisure and Community Services, Councillor Chris Cullen, said: “It is a real privilege for South Ayrshire to welcome Para-athletes and coaches from 15 Commonwealth nations to the Riverside Sports Arena as they prepare for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Through the University of the West of Scotland’s training camp programme, our facilities will become a hub for world-class athletes whose dedication, resilience and determination are truly inspiring.

“We are incredibly proud that our first-class sporting facilities have been chosen to support competitors from across the Commonwealth on their journey to the Games. Their presence will bring a fantastic atmosphere to South Ayrshire, inspire our local communities and showcase the area as a destination capable of hosting elite international sport. We wish every athlete and coach the very best as they prepare to compete on one of the biggest stages in world sport.”

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from 23 July to 2 August, with Para sport fully integrated into the competition programme across Para Athletics, Para Swimming, Para Track Cycling, Para Powerlifting, Para Bowls and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball.

As the athletes leave Ayr for Glasgow, they carry with them more than final preparations -they carry the friendships, confidence and shared belief that inclusive sport has the power to change lives across the Commonwealth.