More than 100 athletes took part in a landmark Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) demonstration in Malta last week. The activity took place ahead of the Special Olympics European Swimming Open, 10 to 14 September. The event marked one of the most highly attended MATP demonstrations globally and the largest staged in Europe this year, underscoring Malta’s leadership in creating meaningful sport opportunities for athletes with high support needs.
Facilitated by Special Olympics Global Advisor for MATP, Eleni Rossides, the demonstration brought together MATP athletes, trainers, caregivers, volunteers and families in a powerful celebration of inclusion, independence and belonging through sport. Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, Gilmour Borg, shone as he assisted the athletes on the field, while National Director Anna Calleja and the entire team at Special Olympics Malta ran an incredible setup, joining the athletes and their support networks in recognising the role MATP plays in opening the joy of sport to every ability level. Also present at the event was Oliver Scicluna, CEO of Agenzija Sapport, the national disability service provider in the country, and huge supporter of Special Olympics.
“This MATP experience was amazing, my first time as a coach. Part of my work is going to the centres and working with the athletes, and today, we’ve seen the improvements,” commented Gilmour Borg.
“Today I was assisting a wheelchair user: he had to lift his leg to kick a dice we positioned over a cone. Seeing the foot effort of him doing it, even when he had doubts and we kept encouraging him, inspired me a lot. MATP athletes cannot compete against each other, but they can compete with themselves. That’s the true meaning of inclusion, that shows that sport really is for everyone. Whatever their ability, all athletes got their chance to shine.”
For every athlete involved, the demonstration represented an opportunity to take part, to be visible, and to be part of something great. MATP reflects a simple but transformative idea: inclusion is not about offering everyone the same opportunity, but about giving every athlete the opportunity to shine, through activities tailored to their individual capabilities.
Through MATP, athletes celebrated not only movement and participation, but also the confidence, social connection and independence that sport can foster. Surrounded by families, caregivers, coaches and volunteers, the athletes demonstrated the impact of a programme that places dignity, personal achievement and inclusion at its heart.
“What a wonderful celebration of inclusion! I was once again reminded of why we do what we do. As a Global MATP Advisor for Special Olympics, moments like this touch me deeply,” added Dr. Eleni Rossides.
“MATP is not simply about activities or movement: it is about creating a place where every athlete belongs, every effort matters, and every achievement is celebrated. I am very proud to be part of the global MATP family and I was truly inspired by the incredible work happening in Malta. Every athlete has a place. Every athlete has a voice. Every athlete has the right to shine. This is the heart of MATP.”
MATP offers sport and training designed for athletes who are unable to participate in traditional Special Olympics competition because of their skill level, functional abilities or support needs. Made possible thanks to the support of Lions Clubs International Foundation, MATP uses sport-specific activities adapted to each athlete to help them develop motor skills, confidence, social interaction and a sense of achievement. In Malta, the programme currently reaches approximately 500 athletes, making it a central part of the country’s commitment to inclusive sport.
Content collection of MATP and family activities at the Special Olympics European Swimming Open 2026 in Malta is made possible by the Samuel Family Foundation.
