Four years ago in Birmingham, the Canadian (pictured far right) took bronze in the T37/38 100m and he will be bidding for more sprint success when competition starts at the EDF Scotstoun Stadium on Monday.

With a fully integrated programme and more events than ever before, Gingras and his fellow Para athletes will be making the most of the opportunity to shine on the big stage in Glasgow.

“Having an integrated team and programme is completely different to what we experience at a Paralympics or a world championships,” Gingras said. “We are competing for the same goal under the same flag.

“It can be surreal at times to be in that environment, when you find yourself on a team with people who were your idols growing up.

“But the pride that every Commonwealth country has for these Games is unique and different to an Olympics or Paralympics," the 24-year-old said. "My first Games four years ago was so much fun because I wasn’t really aware of it all.

“We had sell-out stadiums in Birmingham, which was very special and I’m really looking forward to Glasgow.”

Gingras claimed T38 400m bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and silver at the 2023 Para Athletics World Championships in Paris, and goes into Glasgow 2026 as his nation’s Athletics team captain, voted by his teammates.

“It’s an incredible honour,” he said. “It was a proud moment to be nominated and I’m excited to see what we can all do over the six days of competition.”

Okoh ready for discus debut

The Para Athletics schedule features 16 events – eight each for men and women – with the first four golds to be awarded on the opening day of action, including the first Commonwealth event for competitors with an intellectual impairment (T20).

With not every Paralympic event included in Glasgow, some athletes, like England's Ndidikama Okoh, have had to learn new skills to compete at the Games.

After claiming T63 100m bronze at Paris 2024, Okoh has temporarily switched focus to the field and will take part in the Women’s F42-44/F61-64 Discus Throw.

“For me, sport isn’t all about winning, it is about new experiences and cherishing every moment,” the 23-year-old said. “So if I have the chance to do another event and go to a Commonwealth Games, then I’m going to take it with both hands and that is something I’ve done.

“It’s been tough, but I really enjoy trying something new. Discus is quite technically challenging. I’m used to running in a straight line for 15 seconds, but I am good at adapting to what I do and I have enjoyed the process.

“I know I have the potential to win a medal but as a new athlete, there is no pressure on me. I want to put my best performance forward and enjoy being on that big stage again.”

While Okoh is making her Games debut, there are plenty of athletes hoping to add to their Commonwealth medal tallies, including Welsh long jumper and sprinter Olivia Breen, her teammate, discus thrower Aled Davies, and English sprinters Sophie Hahn and Zachary Shaw.

The Para Athletics, presented by Longines, begins on Monday 27 July. For the full schedule, click here

For start lists, click here.