Special Olympics Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) is designed for persons with severe or multiple disabilities who may not yet possess the physical and/or behavioral skills necessary to participate in official Special Olympics sports.
MATP provides comprehensive motor activity and recreation training for participants. The program provides comprehensive motor activity and recreation training in the areas of sensory awareness, mobility, dexterity, striking, kicking, wheelchair mobility and aquatics. The program emphasizes training and participation rather than competition, with athletes participating in Challenge Days as a result of their training. Individuals who participate in MATP activities work as hard as other Special Olympics athletes and they are
recognized for their efforts. In addition, the program provides the means for people with severe or multiple disabilities to participate in appropriate recreation activities geared to their ability levels.
If 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 lower ability levels, for example, Tennis Ball Throw in Athletics or Individual Skills Competitions within team sports.
For more information on MATP, contact the appropriate Sports Program Manager:
