The GAPS programme, a groundbreaking sport and social purpose initiative developed by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and Griffith University, has enabled 13 Para-athletes from six nations across the UK and Africa to compete at Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games.

GAPS is designed to support the development of emerging Para-athletes and coaches from across the Commonwealth, breaking down barriers to participation and advancing inclusive sport pathways.

Destiny Agbo of Nigeria made history as the first-ever Para gold medallist at the Commonwealth Youth Games, and says the programme gave her the confidence to win.

“It means a lot to me to make my country Nigeria proud, to also make my family proud and myself proud. The GAPS programme gives teenagers like us the opportunity to come and show what we have, what we can do. It’s given me the skills to be strong and fight with all you can to make it,” said Agbo.

GAPS athletes won a total of two gold, two silver and two bronze medals during an integrated Para-Athletics programme at the Commonwealth Youth Games.

Men’s Long Jump – T38 bronze medallist, William Bishop of Wales said: “The GAPS programme is amazing. We went to South Africa for a week. We had an opportunity to not only compete but learn a lot about athlete life and learn about different aspects of sport, so it really opened my eyes to the sporting world and I’m looking forward to the future.”

Women’s Discus Throw – F42-44 / F61-64 silver medallist, Bebe Jackson of England said: “The GAPS programme was a real eye opener because it was my first international in discus, so I was very excited I was going there; new place, new country.

“It was a great experience and great atmosphere, nice to meet a lot of new friends from around the world. It really set me up for the Commonwealth Youth Games.”

CGF President Dame Louise Martin said: “We are so proud of all our Para-athletes at Trinbago 2023 – they have made the whole Commonwealth proud.

“We are changing people’s lives through our GAPS programme. By discovering and nurturing talent from across the Commonwealth, we can give emerging Para-athletes opportunities to reach their full potential and represent their country on the world stage.”

“Through GAPS we can ensure inclusion and diverse participant representation in our Games.”

Since 2017, more than 300 individuals from across the Commonwealth have benefited from the GAPS programme.

GAPS also formed part of the international legacy of Birmingham’s hosting of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The long-term aim of the GAPS programme is to support participating athletes to use their platform and athlete voice to promote equal rights for disabled people in their countries.