The second of five immersive GAPS camps scheduled for 2025 was held last week on the Gold Coast, Australia, bringing together para-athletes and coaches from across the Pacific for an intensive week of training, education and support.
Delivered by Commonwealth Sport and Griffith University with support from PacificAus Sports, the camp focused on key elements of high performance, including tailored training, nutrition and recovery strategies.
The camp culminated at the 2025 Australian Para-Powerlifting Championships at Royal Pines on Saturday 5 July, providing athletes with valuable experience in a competitive environment, thanks to Paralympics Australia.
GAPS, an acronym for Gather, Adjust, Prepare and Sustain, is a high-performance development program that supports inclusive sport pathways throughout the Commonwealth.
The project aims to not only achieve immediate goals around participation, qualification and classification for Glasgow 2026, but also the aspiration of maximising the participation and success of Pacific athletes at Brisbane 2032.
In 2025, five GAPS activities are being delivered for able-bodied and para-athletes by Commonwealth Sport and Griffith University, with the support of Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA).
Following the successful first camp in Vanuatu earlier this year, this second GAPS camp took place on the Gold Coast. Further experiences are planned in Samoa and other locations, supporting athletes and coaches across multiple sports including athletics, swimming, bowls, weightlifting and para-powerlifting.
The initiative is supported by PacificAus Sports through the 2025 Pacific Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games Partnership, a collaboration between the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), Paralympics Australia (PA) and CGA.
CGA CEO and Regional Vice President – Oceania of Commonwealth Sport, Craig Phillips AM, said the Gold Coast high performance camp reflects the broader ambition of the GAPS initiative.
“GAPS was established by Griffith University and Commonwealth Sport in the lead-up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, and we’re proud to see the program continuing to evolve and deliver impact, both across our region and around the globe,” Phillips said.
“The GAPS program is more than sport; it’s about creating sustainable pathways, empowering communities and ensuring the Pacific is strongly represented at the highest levels of international competition.
“With three more initiatives to come, we’re continuing to provide targeted opportunities for athletes to refine their performance, gain vital competition experience, and build their confidence ahead of major events like Glasgow 2026 and ultimately Brisbane 2032.”
Phillips also acknowledged the valuable role of partner organisations in delivering the program.
“Our thanks go to Griffith University and all our delivery partners, as well as PacificAus Sports, whose support ensures we can continue this important work throughout 2025 and beyond,” he said.
Commonwealth Sport CEO, Katie Sadleir CNZM noted the impact the GAPS program has on the people of the Pacific region and the opportunities it can offer.
“The GAPS programme holds a really special place within Commonwealth Sport,” Sadleir said.
“With a little over a year to go until Glasgow 2026, it’s incredible to see how these camps are helping our Athletes and Coaches from across the Commonwealth grow, not just in their sport, but as people.
“Over the next few months, we’ll see camps take place in Oceania, Jamaica and South Africa, and I can’t wait to see how these experiences shape their journeys to the Games. It’s such a privilege to support this kind of development, creating meaningful opportunities that can truly change lives.”
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About PacificAus Sports
PacificAus Sports is an Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative creating opportunities for Pacific athletes, coaches, officials and administrators to access high performance training and elite competition.
The program partners with Australian national sports organisations to support a range of sports, including rugby league, rugby union, netball, football, AFL, cricket, tennis, basketball and Olympic/Paralympic/Commonwealth Games sports.
PacificAus Sports also partners with the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) to promote Pacific sport through ABC Television’s ‘That Pacific Sports Show’ and ABC Radio’s ‘Fresh Off the Field’.
The high performance outcomes of PacificAus Sports are complemented by the Australian Government’s Team Up program, which focuses on sport for development in the Pacific.
For more information about PacificAus Sports and its initiatives, visit www.pacificaussports.gov.au and follow PacificAus Sports on Facebook.
