[Lausanne, Switzerland - 7 November 2025] Nestlé Health Science (NHSc) has announced a $2 million USD multi-year partnership with Special Olympics. The partnership will focus on Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Program (MATP), and the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® screening protocol.
“Special Olympics is a perfect match for Nestlé Health Science’s mission. We are very much looking forward to contributing to helping Special Olympics athletes live their healthiest lives through our partnership.”
MATP is Special Olympics movement-based sport program for athletes with profound intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who have high support needs. NHSc has committed to support the development of a holistic Healthy Athletes screening for MATP athletes who face different health challenges than the general Special Olympics athlete population. The evidence-based screening tool will serve to address, inter alia, the risk factors associated with the ‘fatal 5’—the leading causes of preventable death in this population which include aspiration, dehydration, infection, bowel obstruction and seizures. As per the existing Healthy Athletes model, the screening will offer referrals for additional assessments and care where indicated, as well as provide important health education to both participants and their caregivers.
“Far too often and for far too long, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have faced limited access to high-quality, inclusive health services diminishing the quality and length of their lives. Since 1997, Healthy Athletes has been at the forefront of creating a more equitable health care system, providing more than 2 million free health screenings to people with IDD around the world. As we enter this next chapter of Healthy Athletes with Nestlé Health Science, we’re proud to expand access to critical screenings for athletes with some of the greatest unmet health needs.
The collaboration began during the Special Olympics Winter World Games in Turin in March 2025, with Nestlé Health Science employees volunteering at the event. NHSc staff also attended the first regional MATP seminar and Family Health Forum in October 2025, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, hosted by Special Olympics Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. The event included participation from all MENA Programs as well as ten Special Olympics Africa representatives (from both the Region and Programs across sport, health, athlete leadership and families).
“MATP Healthy Athletes will empower every athlete to stay active, maintain optimal health, and unlock their full potential, on and off the field of play.”
The international partnership agreement will go through the end of 2029 and includes NHSC’s commitment to supporting 2027 World Summer Games and 2029 World Winter Games.
