Motor Activities Training Program (MATP)
The Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Program is designed for athletes who are unable to participate in official Special Olympics sport competitions because of their skill and/or functional abilities. The Motor Activity Training Program is designed to prepare athletes -- including those with severe or profound intellectual disability and significant physical disabilities for sport-specific activities appropriate for their ability levels. For this reason, there are no official rules for competition. Emphasis is placed on achieving personal bests, and it allows for adapted equipment and physical assistance.
Once the eight-week program is completed, a Challenge Day Celebration is offered. Participants are awarded based on participation, not placement. Instead of competitions, there are skill stations where athletes are given the opportunity to demonstrate their personal best.
Encourage typically developing students to volunteer as Unified Volunteers, where they assist the participant to do their best, even if they assist them with the activity.
Seven Basic Motor Skills
The purpose of MATP is to help develop and enhance motor skills that are directly related to those used in official Special Olympics sports. MATP works with the following seven basic motor skills:
Contact your area office for more information or reach out to info@sotx.org.