MATP®

MATP provides genuine opportunities for training and competition for individuals with profound and multiple physical and intellectual disabilities. Opportunities are realistic and tailored to the individual. It focuses on athletes' abilities and enables them to work on and showcase motor skills and sporting achievements that are relevant to them.

MATP Weekly Training sessions

MATP supports the development of individually relevant motor skills through sports. Motor skills are assessed, and sports activities are designed to teach those skills in five key areas: mobility, kicking, striking, dexterity, and stability. Once activities are established, these activities can be linked to whatever sport interests the student. Training is delivered in fun, upbeat weekly sessions and can be embedded into the curriculum as PE provision for students with profound and multiple physical and intellectual disabilities.

Come and Try format

The Come and Try Event follows a festival format. The event showcases the various MATP activities that athletes can participate in to develop their motor skills. There are four activity areas covering the key areas of MATP: mobility, dexterity, striking, kicking and stability. There are at least two activities for each area of MATP to give the event breadth. The event can be used to introduce athletes to MATP, to raise the profile of MATP within a setting or area or to share the content of MATP with parents, carers, friends and family.

Challenge Event format

The MATP Challenge Event is a structured event designed to showcase and celebrate athletes' motor skills development and sporting achievement. There is a recommended structure to use as scaffolding, but coaches are encouraged to prioritise the needs of their athletes and tailor the event to meet their needs (e.g. athletes may not cope well with a loud cheering audience).

The running order includes:

• An athlete parade
• An opening ceremony that includes the Special Olympics athlete oath
• A whole group warm-up
• Individual athlete showcases in front of the audience through the demonstration of individual activities or the completion of activity stations
• A medal award ceremony and then a closing ceremony

The reading/release of the oath and the awarding of medals are two key parts of this structure.

Equipment needed

There is a great deal of flexibility with MATP equipment. Equipment choice is as individual and athlete-centred as the activities. Athletes' choices must be respected, especially with regard to the equipment they will hold, throw, catch, etc.

Popular equipment includes:

• Beanbags
• A range of different coloured and textured sensory balls
• Velcro wall targets
• Skittles
• Ramps (e.g. boccia/new age kurling ramps)
• Large physio balls
• Balloons
• Activity arch to hang items from.
• Imagination!

Find more ideas for equipment via the MATP YouTube channel.