Samuda challenges Commonwealth leaders to deliver lasting change for Para athletes

Jamaica Paralympic Association President Christopher Samuda has challenged Commonwealth sporting leaders to move beyond discussion and deliver tangible results, insisting that the future of Para sport depends on decisive action, legislative reform, and sustained investment.

Addressing delegates gathered at the Team Wales Hotel in Glasgow during a Commonwealth Sport forum hosted by Paralympics Great Britain, Samuda delivered a forceful message that the advancement of Para sport cannot be achieved through dialogue alone. The meeting brought together representatives from Commonwealth Sport member nations to explore strategies for expanding and strengthening Para sport throughout the Commonwealth.

"Assemblies and ministerial fora must not be talkfests," Samuda declared.

"Arising from conversations had must be declarations, and deliverables as well as outcomes that are measurable and impactful."

His remarks underscored the central theme of the gathering, transforming ideas into meaningful progress as Commonwealth nations prepare for the future of inclusive sport.

Building the foundation through policy

Samuda argued that meaningful growth within the Paralympic movement requires governments to take a proactive legislative approach, creating policies that encourage development while ensuring accountability.

"The policy making framework has to be clearly established by governments in setting standards, ensuring compliance, re-enforcing protocols and ultimately securing enabling environment within which the continued development of the paralympic movement can be achieved," he said.

He emphasized that robust governance and supportive legislation are indispensable if Para sport is to continue expanding its reach and opportunities for athletes across the Commonwealth.

Inspiring investment through powerful stories

Beyond public policy, Samuda highlighted the increasing commercial importance of sport, urging administrators to better connect investors with the human stories behind Paralympic success.

"The loyalty and commitment of financiers, investors and sponsors will be secured if, through storytelling of the indomitable spirit, will, successes and triumph of our para athletes, we humanise capital to the extent that financial stakeholders realise the inevitable value of their investment," he said.

He added that attracting long-term financial support requires more than compelling performances on the field of play.

"Capital likes a safety, a haven free form risk and controversy and therefore the Para movement must continue to inspire and convey confidence and stability particularly in an international market where competition for resources is rabid and demand exceeds supply."

Commonwealth momentum continues

The discussions come as the Commonwealth Games continue to expand opportunities for Para athletes through their fully integrated competition model. Glasgow 2026 will stage the largest Para sport medal program in Commonwealth Games history, including the inaugural awarding of medals in Para powerlifting.

The forum featured presentations from Commonwealth and Paralympic leaders, including Dr. Donald Rukare, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation; Dan Brooke, Chairman of Paralympics GB; David Clarke OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Paralympics GB; and Rebecca Edwards-Symmons, Chief Executive Officer of Team Wales.

Among those in attendance were Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, alongside officials and managers representing Commonwealth Games Associations, National Paralympic Committees, UK Sport, and international sporting federations.

Against that distinguished backdrop, Samuda's message resonated as a direct challenge to governments, administrators, and stakeholders alike: the future of Para sport will ultimately be determined not by the conversations held in conference rooms, but by the measurable actions taken once those meetings conclude.