Para-powerlifter Gift Chola heads to South Africa for GAPS camp

The National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia have officially sent off para-powerlifting athlete Gift Chola to participate in GAPS Africa 2025 program in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Gift Chola poses for a picture

The training camp, which runs from 18 to 27 July 2025, is being held in partnership with Stellenbosch University and is part of a development program aimed at strengthening the qualification pathway for para-athletics and para-powerlifting athletes across the Commonwealth.

GAPS is designed to increase representation of Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) in para sports, particularly at the upcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The initiative focuses on equipping athletes and coaches with the tools and support they need to reach elite competition levels.

NOCZ Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi has urged Chola to give her best throughout the camp, emphasizing that the program forms a crucial part of the qualification journey for Glasgow 2026.

Kambikambi said this camp is not just training it is part of the selection and qualification.

NOCZ Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi poses for a picture with para power lifter Gift Chola with other officials

Following the Stellenbosch camp, Commonwealth Sport will identify and support para-athletes with potential to qualify for the games. These individuals will receive further support to advance their development, with CGAs and GAPS working collaboratively to provide tailored assistance.

Gift Chola’s participation marks yet another milestone in Zambia’s growing commitment to inclusivity and excellence in sport, especially in the para-sport arena.