Special Olympics Africa > Motor Activities Training Program (MATP)

Special Olympics Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) is designed for persons with severe limitations who do not yet possess the physical and/or behavioral skills necessary to participate in official Special Olympics sports.

MATP helps to develop motor skills, with tasks such as pushing a ball, or stepping across a low bar. Many athletes have physical disabilities, as well as intellectual disabilities. Some will ultimately progress to lower ability events in sports such as gymnastics or bowling, but even for those who cannot, MATP participation improves their coordination and social skills. Pictured, Special Olympics Ireland's Breda Byrne takes part in the bean bag lift during MATP competition at the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games. [Photo courtesy Marc O'Sullivan, IRELAND OUT

The program provides a comprehensive motor activity and recreation training curriculum for these participants. MATP emphasizes training and participation rather than competition. In addition, the program provides the means for people with severe limitations to participate in appropriate recreation activities geared to their ability levels.
When MATP participants reach the necessary readiness and skill levels, every Special Olympics sport provides an appropriate transition into that sport at an introductory level. Specific events are identified in most sports for athletes with low ability levels; examples of MATP activities include:
Bean bag lift
Ball kick
Wide beam and bench
Ball lift (small)
Ball lift (large)
Ball push
Log roll

Individuals who participate in MATP activities work as hard as other Special Olympics athletes and they are recognized for their efforts. Examples of athletes practice and determination can be seen in this profile of three athletes who participated in MATP events at the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

To get involved in MATP, please contact your local Special Olympics Program; to locate a Program near you, use our Program Locator.

For more information about MATP, contact Dave Lenox, Vice President, Sports & Competition, at dlenox@specialolympics.org