Papua New Guinea (PNG) was proudly represented by eight talented athletes and officials at the Oceania Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain (GAPS) Camp held on the Gold Coast from 14–20 September 2025.
The GAPS Program is a high-performance initiative designed to develop emerging athletes and coaches across the Pacific, offering access to expertise and training facilities not readily available in their home countries.
The program is proudly supported by the Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports initiative and delivered by Commonwealth Sport in partnership with Griffith University.
This year’s camp brought together approximately 70 athletes and coaches from 10 Commonwealth nations and territories across the Oceania region, fostering regional sporting excellence ahead of major international events such as the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Representing Papua New Guinea in athletics and para-athletics were:
- Lakona Gerega – Athlete
- Patricia Kuku – Athlete
- Joy Tibea – Athlete
- Steven Abraham – Para Athlete
- Jerome Bunge – Para Athlete
- Regina Edward – Para Athlete
- Mike Smith – Official
- Jackie Travertz – Para Athletics Official
With a strong focus on inclusion, diversity, and gender equity, the GAPS Program is also committed to creating opportunities for women and athletes with disabilities to thrive in elite sport.
The PNG delegation embodied this spirit, showcasing determination, skill, and a drive to grow within the global sporting arena.
Para-athlete Regina Edward spoke reflecting the team’s forward-looking mindset.
“I’m looking forward to the competitions at the end of the camp to see our performance and what we need to work on for our qualifying competition for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2026.”
Australian support for the program has been pivotal in its success. Deputy Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Adrian Lochrin, highlighted the broader value of the initiative.
“Australia is proud to support the elite development of PNG and Pacific athletes. The GAPS program is a great initiative in providing world-class high-performance training for the athletes.”
“The program also fosters stronger people-to-people connections across PNG and the Pacific with Australia.”
“GAPS plays a vital role in preparing athletes and coaches, both able-bodied and those in para sport, for elite competition, strengthening pathways for Pacific participants in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
