The first webinar of the Coach Webinar Series 2023, presented by Gallagher, was dedicated to Coaching MATP Athletes. Motor Activities Training Program or MATP is our Special Olympics movement-based sensory sports program for athletes with severe or profound disabilities and complex support needs. Hosted by Kiera Byland BEM, a trained MATP coach herself, and Dr. Niamh E. Mourton, Senior Manager of MATP for Special Olympics International. This webinar gave us a broad overview of what MATP is, who it is for and how we can implement it in our programs.
The webinar, presented by Gallagher, official sponsor of Special Olympics Sport and Coaching programming, started off with a welcome message from MATP supporting sponsor, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and their Executive Administrator, Rebecca Teel Daou. Mrs. Daou detailed the impact LCIF has had on Special Olympics programs globally and their support for MATP programming.
Dr. Niamh E. Mourton then presented on the education around MATP in Special Olympics. She detailed what MATP is, who it is for and how to create a place for everybody and every ability in Special Olympics Sport.
Highlighting the core set of skills for MATP athletes, explaining the benefits of MATP and showing us the different types of coaching levels required, Dr Mourton had everyone on the webinar captured throughout. This was proven with over 68% of attendees voting that they wished to learn more about how they can implement MATP in their programs and get further training.
The Coach Webinar Series 2023, presented by Gallagher, continues on Tuesday, 3 October. Hosted by Alvaro Brochero from SO Venezuela, the second webinar will focus on Coaching Youth Athletes.
Alvaro will be joined by Hayley Kavanagh, Holly Jacobs and Sean Stake as they present on how we can effectively improve out coaching of youth athletes in Special Olympics.
Watch back the first webinar of the 2023 Coach Webinar Series on the dashboard, where you will also find resources relating to MATP and Special Olympics Coaching.
Listen to this webinar in: Arabic • Chinese • French • Portuguese • Russian • Spanish
