The Commonwealth Sport Foundation is pleased to announce a generous donation of AUD $15,000 from Commonwealth Para athlete Matthew Levy OAM. This donation will directly support the GAPS Programme and its Athlete Voice Initiative, empowering Para athletes to share their stories, overcome barriers, and make a lasting impact within their communities.

The donation will help fund the development of mentoring programmes and provide small grants for Athlete Voice projects. It is part of Matthew Levy’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusion and leadership among athletes with disabilities.

 Matthew Levy OAM, an accomplished Commonwealth Games athlete and advocate for disability inclusion, shared his excitement about supporting the Athlete Voice Initiative. “I’ve seen firsthand the power sport has to transform lives, especially for athletes with disabilities. This initiative provides them with a unique opportunity to share their stories and overcome barriers that too often go unnoticed. I’m proud to contribute to a programme that gives these athletes the chance to grow not only as competitors but as leaders within their communities. This donation is my way of giving back to a sport and community that have shaped my own journey.”

Levy, who has represented Australia in swimming at multiple Commonwealth Games, is passionate about using his platform to support others. “Athletes with disabilities have so much to offer, and it’s important that we create spaces for them to be heard and valued. I hope this donation inspires other Commonwealth athletes to consider ways they can give back and make a difference. The GAPS Programme has the potential to spark real change, and I’m excited to see where it can go with this support.” 

Dr Jeya Wilson, Chair of the Commonwealth Sport Foundation, expressed deep gratitude for Matthew Levy's commitment. "We are enormously grateful to Matt for his leadership and generosity. His support will help us maximise the potential of the GAPS Programme and its mission to create lasting change for Para athletes,” said Wilson.

“This donation is a shining example of our ambition to mobilise resources to further Commonwealth Sport beyond the Games, aligned to our key focus areas of youth, inclusion and community, and we look forward to working with Matt to make the most of his generous gift.”


The Athlete Voice Initiative aims to empower athletes with disabilities by providing a platform to reflect on their journeys, build confidence and develop as leaders within their communities. By fostering self- awareness and mentorship, athletes will be able to set tangible goals and contribute to meaningful social change. The donation will also contribute to a pilot programme focused on Oceania in 2025 and 2026, with the goal of growing the programme's impact across the Commonwealth. 

The Commonwealth Sport Foundation also plans to maximise Matthew's philanthropic efforts as part of a broader campaign encouraging Commonwealth athletes to give back to their communities. For more information on how to get involved with the Athlete Voice Initiative, or support similar Sport for Development projects across the Commonwealth, please contact the Commonwealth Sport Foundation.

About the Commonwealth Sport Foundation:

The Commonwealth Sport Foundation is the charitable arm of Commonwealth Sport, raising funds and mobilising resources to further Commonwealth Sport beyond the Games. Through initiatives like GAPS, the Foundation supports athletes with disabilities in achieving their full potential.

About GAPS:

GAPS (Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain) is Commonwealth Sport’s Para sport, development and inclusion pathway programme, designed to provide Para athletes and coaches with access to skills, knowledge, and resources that aid their personal development and training as they prepare for competition, while driving hope and motivation and building pride and a strong sense of identity amongst the participants.

Contact: 

Commonwealth Sport Foundation 
Email: info@commonwealthsportfoundation.com 
Website: www.commonwealthsportfoundation.com