Motor Activity Training Program

The Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) is a sport and play program for participants with severe and/or multiple disabilities of all ages. The MATP Guide introduces ways for persons with severe and/or multiple disabilities to acquire new motor skills through the practice that comes with repeated, structured activities in basic sport skills such as moving, kicking, and throwing, with appropriate modifications. MATP Activities can be done at home, in schools or in the community, using this Guide and both basic and modified equipment. MATP welcomes participants and their families into the world of Special Olympics, offering them all-families, teachers, caregivers and others -the chance to share in the joy of sports with all participants.

Goals of Motor Activities Training Programs (MATP):

• Provide a format for persons with and without disabilities to play together and learn about and understand each other.
• Support social inclusion and inclusive play in schools, communities and homes.
• Provide participants with activities and games that meet their skill and ability levels.
• Share how Special Olympics can support families.
• Show that all people should be valued for their talents and abilities.

Benefits of Motor Activities Training Programs (MATP):

• Motor Skills: Persons with severe and/or multiple disabilities benefit from structured, repeated practice to learn motor skills. This motor learning is a powerful tool with which we can help those with severe and/or multiple disabilities gain functional motor skills that can enhance their daily life.
• Personal Growth: Persons with severe and/or multiple disabilities have the capacity for learning. Their rate of learning may be slow, they may need repetitions to learn, and they may not generalize skills easily, but they can learn.
• Acceptance: The MATP program benefits persons with and without disabilities by providing opportunities for people to better understand and accept each other as they come together to work on a common goal.