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

Speaking at a Commonwealth Sport forum hosted by Paralympics Great Britain at the Team Wales Hotel in Glasgow, Samuda delivered a direct message to delegates from member nations gathered to discuss strategies for expanding Para sport across the Commonwealth.

“Assemblies and ministerial fora must not be talkfests,” he declared. “Arising from conversations had must be declarations, and deliverables as well as outcomes that are measurable and impactful.”

Samuda argued that meaningful growth requires governments to take a proactive legislative approach — establishing clear policy frameworks, ensuring compliance, and creating the enabling environment necessary for the Paralympic movement to thrive.

He also stressed the growing commercial dimension of Para sport, urging administrators to harness the power of storytelling to attract and retain investors. Long-term financial support, he noted, is won not just through strong performances but through humanising the spirit and triumphs of para-athletes in ways that give sponsors and financiers confidence in their investment.

The forum took place against the backdrop of Glasgow 2026’s record-breaking Para sport programme — the largest in Commonwealth Games history — including the inaugural awarding of medals in Para powerlifting. Distinguished attendees included the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Commonwealth Games Federation President Dr. Donald Rukare, and Paralympics GB Chairman Dan Brooke, among other senior figures.

Samuda’s message was clear: the future of Para sport will be shaped not by what is said in conference rooms, but by the measurable actions taken once the meetings end.

SOURCE: Caribbean National Weekly