Every athlete deserves the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activities in ways that are meaningful and appropriate to their abilities.
Across Asia Pacific, Special Olympics continues to strengthen inclusive programming for athletes with profound intellectual disabilities and high support needs through the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP). The program focuses on individualized, ability-based activities that encourage movement, build motor skills, and support meaningful participation in sport.
“MATP is essential because it recognises athletes with the highest support needs as athletes first, providing a clear and meaningful pathway into sport,” says Niamh Mourton, Senior Manager, Motor Activity Training Program, Special Olympics.
Strengthening the Ecosystem: MATP Train-the-Trainer Workshop
Across Asia Pacific, a major challenge in expanding the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) has been the limited number of trained and accredited coaches, coupled with variations in how the program is delivered across countries. These gaps have affected consistency and quality.
To strengthen local capacity, Special Olympics Asia Pacific introduced a regional Train‑the‑Trainer model that equips country programs with skilled facilitators, practical tools, and shared resources. It hosted an MATP Train‑the‑Trainer Workshop in Singapore in March 2026, marking an important step in scaling the program’s growth across the region.
The workshop brought together 10 trainers from 7 country programs, including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Singapore, and Thailand.
Facilitated by Special Olympics International trainer Niamh Mourton, it formed part of a broader regional strategy to strengthen MATP implementation and ensure consistency across Asia Pacific.
Participants were selected for their readiness and commitment to advancing MATP in their home programs, with the goal of building a network of trained facilitators able to independently deliver MATP training and drive program expansion within their countries.
During the workshop, participants engaged in practical sessions, discussions, and peer learning activities covering:
- MATP fundamentals and eligibility
- Communication approaches for athletes with high support needs
- New MATP coaching resources
- Practical implementation and event setup
- Best practice sharing across country programs
They also conducted a hands-on MATP session with students at AWWA School, applying their learning in a real-world setting and gaining direct experience with students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Country-level planning sessions helped participants identify implementation priorities and develop local action plans for MATP growth.
“This Train-the-Trainer workshop is significant as it creates a scalable and sustainable model for MATP growth across Asia Pacific,” says Aaravin R., Manager of Games and Competition, Special Olympics Asia Pacific.
As the first regional MATP workshop since COVID-19, the training offered country programs an opportunity to reconnect, exchange experiences, and strengthen collaboration.
From Training to Impact: What Comes Next
The workshop is part of a broader effort to ensure long-term MATP delivery and sustainability across Asia Pacific. After the workshop, trainers returned to their countries to conduct local workshops, train additional coaches, and expand athlete participation in MATP activities.
“Country Programs play a key role in advancing MATP by creating inclusive opportunities for athletes with profound disabilities. This initiative equips them with trained personnel, tools, and support to grow quality MATP and reach more underserved athletes,” adds Aaravin.
To support implementation Special Olympics Asia Pacific has established a structured monitoring and reporting process that includes quarterly check-ins, progress tracking, and ongoing knowledge sharing.
“This Regional MATP coach developer training showed how investment in coach development, practical tools, and shared learning can build sustainable MATP capacity across diverse Programs, ensuring quality, consistency, and inclusion at scale,”added Niamh.
The Power of Participation
Geliz Er Jia Xuan, MATP Singapore Athlete who participated in the sports workshop said delightfully, “I did balancing, kicking, and bowling. The agility ladder with Miss Novie (Novie Mayang Melati) was my favorite! It’s fun, I am excited to be here because I can make friends with coaches from so many countries.”
For Shamsul Islam Milon, MATP trainer, Special Olympics Bangladesh, the program represents hope: “The biggest achievement from this MATP training for me is to know that MATP is the place of hope for the children with profound and multiple disabilities to bring out their potential.”
Lim Ling Min, MATP trainer from Special Olympics Singapore also added, “MATP enables a meaningful step forward in our aspiration for inclusion, by placing athletes with the highest support needs at the heart of purposeful and structured physical activity.”
By strengthening coach training and regional collaboration, Special Olympics Asia Pacific is working to ensure that more athletes across the region can access quality Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) delivered with consistency, care, and inclusion.
Stories of Impact
The impact of MATP is seen not only in regional training and program development, but also in the experiences of athletes and families across Asia Pacific.
In Thailand, Special Olympics Thailand organized MATP regional events in the Northeast and South regions through support from a 2024 Christmas Records Trust (CRT) grant. These were the first on-site MATP events held since 2019 following the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling more athletes and families to participate within their local communities.
For many families, the events represented more than participation in sport. They created opportunities for connection, confidence, and engagement in inclusive environments.
Nine-year-old Akrapwin Kongchu travelled over 300 kilometres with his grandmother to attend the Northern MATP event in Chiang Mai. Initially unsure about the long journey and large event setting, his grandmother later reflected on the experience with pride after seeing him participate confidently and complete all his activities.
In Bangkok, Dolyada “Fah” Thongjao participated in her first MATP event alongside her mother and teachers after weeks of preparation. Despite usually feeling overwhelmed in unfamiliar crowded spaces, Fah participated enthusiastically in the activities and remained engaged throughout the event. Her mother shared that it was the first time she had encountered a program designed specifically for children with severe disabilities at an appropriate level of participation.
Twelve-year-old Nitinai “Bas” Saengla attended the Northeastern MATP event with his grandmother after years of limited outings following the pandemic. Through the body bowling activity, Bas demonstrated improved confidence and coordination while interacting with athletes from other schools. His family described the experience as an important opportunity for social connection and participation.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Opportunity Across Asia Pacific
As Special Olympics Asia Pacific continues to invest in MATP, the focus remains on strengthening program quality, expanding coach development, and increasing access to inclusive sport opportunities across the region.
Through stronger regional collaboration, practical training, and continued investment in local capacity building, MATP will continue to support athletes with profound intellectual disabilities through meaningful participation in sport and physical activity.
This regional effort represents an important step toward ensuring that athletes with high support needs are consistently included, supported, and recognised across Special Olympics programs in Asia Pacific.