Chris Nunn (Australia), Neville Sinclair (Jamaica), Palitha Bandara (Sri Lanka) and Hellen Kariuki (Kenya) have all made extraordinary contributions to Para sport in their countries and across the Commonwealth and took part in The King’s Baton Relay on its final journey to Glasgow. 

The Relay is the heartbeat of the Commonwealth Games and has visited all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories since it was opened by His Majesty The King on Commonwealth Day, 10 March 2025.  

Carrying a message from His Majesty The King, the Baton has travelled across the Commonwealth, and its visit to the GAPS camp recognises the programme's contribution to advancing inclusive sport pathways across the Commonwealth and celebrates the athletes and coaches whose dedication is changing perceptions of disability through sport. 

Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, said: 

"The King's Baton Relay represents everything that makes the Commonwealth Games unique: unity, friendship, inclusion and hope. 

"It is fitting that the Baton passed through the GAPS camp as part of its final journey, and was carried by four remarkable individuals whose lives demonstrate the transformative power of sport. 

"Chris, Neville, Palitha and Hellen have each broken barriers in different ways. They have inspired athletes, strengthened communities and shown that when we create opportunities, sport can change lives. They embody the values of GAPS and the spirit of the Commonwealth." 

The GAPS Ayr Training Camp has brought together 54 para athletes and coaches from 15 Commonwealth nations in Scotland to complete their final preparations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

The four GAPS champions 

Chris Nunn (Australia) is one of Australia's most respected athletics coaches and a lifelong champion of para sport. Having coached Olympic gold medallist Glynis Nunn and dedicated more than three decades to developing para athletics, Chris has helped shape generations of Paralympic athletes while creating lasting pathways for coach and athlete development. A 12-time GAPS coach, he has become one of the programme's most influential mentors and ambassadors. 

Neville Sinclair (Jamaica) is one of the Caribbean's most accomplished Paralympians and coaches. A three-time Paralympian, he represented Jamaica at the Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games before dedicating more than 40 years to coaching and developing para sport. He has guided athletes to Paralympic, World Championship and Parapan American success, including multiple Paralympic gold medallist Alphanso Cunningham. Neville has attended five GAPS camps and continues to inspire coaches and athletes throughout the Commonwealth. 

Palitha Bandara (Sri Lanka) made history at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games when he won the silver medal to become Sri Lanka's first-ever Commonwealth Games medallist in para sport. A Paralympian and Asian Para Games medallist, Palitha has become a national trailblazer, inspiring greater participation and changing perceptions of disability through his achievements. Glasgow 2026 marks his fourth GAPS camp. 

Hellen Kariuki (Kenya) is one of Kenya's most accomplished para athletes and a pioneer for women in para powerlifting. She became the first Kenyan woman to compete in para powerlifting at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games before winning bronze at Birmingham 2022 - Kenya's first-ever Commonwealth Games medal in para powerlifting. A seven-time GAPS participant, Hellen continues to inspire the next generation of women and girls to pursue sport without barriers.