Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Find Special Olympics Near Me
We are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place—one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.
Your Program
Based on your location, your local program is %location%.
Your location could not be automatically determined. Choose a program below:
Your Special Olympics Local Program:
Looking for a different local program? Choose a program from the list below:

Motor Activity Training Program
MATP is our Special Olympics movement-based sport program for athletes with profound intellectual disabilities who have high support needs.
Benefits of MATP
Young girl being held up to put a basketball into the basket.

Enhanced Motor Skills and Support Skills

athlete being helped to walk by two volunteers

Improve Physical Fitness

athlete in a wheelchair holding a baseball bat

Promote Social Interaction

Athlete in wheelchair with people around her.

Boost Self Esteen and Confidence

Athlete in wheelchair and volunteer helping him.

Inclusive Sport Experiences

MATP gives athletes the opportunity to practise skills that will prepare them for sport without comparison to others. The focus is on achieving personal bests.

MATP can be made up of skill stations where athletes take part in sport related activities that develop their mobility, dexterity, striking, kicking and balance.

MATP also involves group games where athletes can work and interact with others to develop their skills.

All MATP activities are modified to each athlete’s needs, interests, and motivations.

MATP athletes can train towards their MATP Challenge Day where MATP athletes showcase their unique achievements to family and friends.

Unstoppable Determination: One Athlete's Journey of Passion and Love for Sport
Michal, a skier with Special Olympics Slovakia, competes through the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP)—Special Olympics’ movement-based sport program for athletes with profound intellectual disabilities who have high support needs.

Who are our MATP Athletes?
MATP Athletes Hall of Fame—meet some of our MATP athletes from around the world.
Loizos Nicolaou, MATP Athlete Roll Model.

Loizos Nicolaou

MATP Athlete Roll Model
On Kim, MATP Athlete Roll Model

On Kim

MATP Athlete Roll Model
Jennifer Johnson, MATP and FUNdamental Sports Athlete Roll Model

Jennifer Johnson

MATP / FUNdamental Sports Athlete Roll Model
Michal Dolinsky, MATP Athlete Roll Model

Michal Dolinsky

MATP Athlete Roll Model
Carmen Darmanin, MATP Athlete Roll Model

Carmen Darmanin

MATP Athlete Roll Model
Anja Subotic, MATP Athlete Roll Model

Anja Subotic

MATP Athlete Roll Model
Sun Sil Han, MATP Athlete Roll Model

Sun Sil Han

MATP Athlete Roll Model
Max Samec, MATP Athlete Roll Model.

Max Samec

MATP Athlete Roll Model
Kurt Cilia, MATP Athlete Roll Model.

Kurt Cilia

MATP Athlete Roll Model
"Sport gives us a place to belong and to develop skills we never knew we had... MATP is such a good example of the real meaning of inclusion."
Ian Harper, Special Olympics Athlete and MATP Assistant Coach
Coaching MATP Athletes-Coach Webinar Series 2023 (English)
The first webinar of the Coach Webinar Series 2023, presented by Gallagher, is dedicated to Coaching MATP Athletes. Motor Activity 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.

Read the full article

Our introductory workshop highlights the transformative sport opportunities presented through MATP, including how to implement it and the sport competition pathways of MATP Come and Try event and MATP challenge events.

NEW MATP Resources are coming soon…..we are currently re-developing our MATP coach, family and volunteer resources.

Athlete works with rings as as a coach cheers him on.

Motor Activity Training Program

Coaching guide, rules and other materials for coaches.
More about MATP

Nestlé Health Science becomes Global Partner to Special Olympics

[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.
1 Min Read

A Landmark Week for Inclusion: Middle East & Africa MATP Coach Training and Health Forum

From October 1 – 5, 2025, Special Olympics Middle East & North Africa (SOMENA) hosted the first-ever Continental MATP Coach Training Seminar and Family Health Forum in Abu Dhabi.
2 Min Read

Special Olympics Puerto Rico Hosts Live Draw Ceremony for the Inaugural Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup

San Juan will make history this December hosting the world’s first inclusive basketball tournament of its kind, where athletes of all abilities will compete side by side, demonstrating the power of sport to unite and inspire.
2 Min Read