On the eve of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, President Jenkins stated, "Para-sports is at the core of our ambition to create a modern, flexible Commonwealth Games blueprint for the future that inspires athletes and delivers tangible legacy benefits and served the interests of the entire Commonwealth Sporting Movement.

"Our Para-athletes are fully integrated into teams competing at the Commonwealth Games, with more Commonwealth countries than ever before fielding Para-athletes at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games."

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games featured the largest integrated Para-sports programme in the history of the event, with 31 nations participating, up from 21 at the Gold Coast 2018 Games, a 48% increase. The Birmingham Inclusive Games Standard (BIG) established an accessibility framework for future major sporting events, improving support for visitors, athletes, and stakeholders with additional needs.

"We are sure that the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games experience will be invaluable to those competing at the Paralympics, and on behalf of the entire Commonwealth sports family, I send our very best wishes to all Commonwealth Para-athletes competing in Paris," added Jenkins.

A key legacy of Birmingham 2022 was a global GAPS camp earlier this year, which brought together Para-athletes and coaches from 21 Commonwealth nations. Commonwealth Sport released a video featuring footage from this and other camps, highlighting the impact of the GAPS programme.

The GAPS (Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain) Programme is a Commonwealth Sport development and inclusion pathway initiative that provides para-athletes and coaches with access to skills, knowledge, and resources to support their growth and training. The programme also fosters hope, motivation, pride, and a strong sense of identity among participants.

Over 600 Para-athletes and coaches have benefited from the GAPS programme, with alumni setting world records and win medals at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Many have continued to excel in the Para World Championships leading up to Paris.

Despite these successes, President Jenkins acknowledged the continuing challenges for Commonwealth athletes and coaches, such as access to classification, facilities, equipment, transport, coaching, discrimination, and limited competition opportunities. These barriers significantly hinder the development of the Para-sport pathway to the Commonwealth Games and beyond.

"Our development programmes are designed to engage communities, transform lives, and unite the Commonwealth through sport. The GAPS Programme is a true reflection of our commitment to driving social change through the power of sport. We hope that the Para-athletes and coaches who attended the Global GAPS Camp earlier this year will feel empowered to reach their full sporting potential and inspire us all," concluded Jenkins.