The picturesque island of Mauritius recently hosted the Global GAPS Camp, leaving a lasting impact on Para athletes and coaches. Participants came from all six regions of the Commonwealth, representing various cultures and experiences.
They joined for a week of training, competition, and personal development.
The camp aimed to provide more than just athletic improvement. It fostered cultural exchange, deepened friendships, and encouraged personal growth. For many, it became a life-changing experience.
Kevin Powell, a seated shot-put athlete from Jamaica, could not stop expressing his gratitude. He cherished the friendships and cultural exposure, calling the experience truly unique.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get an opportunity like this again,” he said.
Powell highly praised his roommates from Cameroon and Tanzania, whom he described as family. He reflected on their bond and added, “I’ve learned so much from them. “
Meeting athletes from Ghana, Nigeria, and Namibia left a significant impression on him. “It was like a potpourri of culture,” Powell said enthusiastically. The diversity of the camp made it feel extraordinary.
Similarly, Andulai Mattia, a sprinter from Sierra Leone, emphasized the camp’s uniqueness.
“This camp is not ordinary,” he declared. “It promotes social inclusion and cultural diversity.”
Mattia appreciated how athletes from various societies shared ideas and learned from each other. “We interact and support each other,” he explained. For him, this interaction built valuable connections.
He also shared his determination to share the knowledge he gained with others back home. Many there needed access to such opportunities, he noted. His goal now includes becoming the best Commonwealth athlete by the 2026 Games.
Para athletes and coaches from around the world have joined us at a special training camp to boost their development ahead of the next Commonwealth Games and beyond – find out how research around the camp will guide their futures #CommonwealthSport #GAPS https://t.co/H33uXuh1PJ pic.twitter.com/t07c0RaJTw
— UniBirmingham News (@news_ub) June 13, 2024
The Global GAPS Camp goes beyond sports training. Commonwealth Sport created the program, which focuses on holistic development. Its name—Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain (GAPS)—captures its mission.
This initiative seeks to bridge gaps in access to resources for Para athletes and coaches. It equips them with technical skills, knowledge, and the motivation to thrive. The program also focuses on fostering pride and identity among participants.
By addressing inequalities, GAPS helps level the playing field. It ensures underrepresented athletes receive opportunities to grow, building their confidence and future success.
The camp included workshops in addition to athletic training. These sessions covered mental health, personal development, and anti-doping practices. Such topics complemented the rigorous physical training.
Participants also engaged in cultural activities. These exchanges celebrated the diversity of the Commonwealth. Athletes shared stories, traditions, and experiences.
These cultural moments have deepened understanding among participants. They have brought a sense of unity despite differences, and many athletes have left feeling inspired by the richness of each other’s cultures.
The program also inspired athletes to become change-makers in their communities. Many strongly desired to share their learning with others, hoping to encourage more inclusivity and opportunities back home.
For most, the camp served as a stepping stone toward the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Training and workshops prepared them for the international stage, and the experience boosted their mental resilience.
Mattia expressed confidence in his future performance. “I feel more determined than ever,” he stated. His preparation now has a more precise purpose.
At the same time, the camp reminded participants about the importance of community. It wasn’t just about individual goals. Athletes learned how their efforts could inspire others.
Kevin Powell described the camp as more than just an event.” “It was a family,” he said. The connections made during the week will stay with him forever.
Organizers ensured the camp left a lasting legacy. By combining sport, culture, and development, the event created a powerful experience. It emphasized that sports can unite and transform.
The camp also highlighted the importance of inclusion. Athletes came from underrepresented regions. They returned home with tools to lead and inspire in their communities.
Mauritius proved to be the perfect host for such an event. Its vibrant culture and welcoming environment enhanced the experience, leaving participants with memories and renewed purpose.
The Global GAPS Camp showcased the impact of collective efforts. Athletes trained harder, thought deeper and connected on a human level, becoming a testament to the power of unity.
Participants will carry this experience with them as they prepare for future competitions. It has shaped their vision and determination. They now aim not only for personal success but also for a broader impact.
CommonwealthSport’s vision shone through during this initiative. The camp became a movement, not just a gathering. Its effects will ripple far beyond the week in Mauritius.
Kevin Powell summarized it best: “This was more than a camp—it was a family.”
His words echo the sentiments of many others. They left with more vital skills, fuller hearts, and dreams to achieve greatness.