Michigan Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) 1

Objective: Provide training opportunities for athletes to acquire skills considered essential in the recognized skill progressions, leading to participation in official Special Olympics competitions Create opportunities for athletes to perform their personal best effort in those skills in a culminating event during a regular Special Olympics competition or during a separate MATP activity 2

Which athletes? MATP is designed for athletes with severe or profound intellectual disability who are unable to participate in Official Special Olympics sport competitions because of their skill and/or functional abilities 3

Athlete Placement When determining whether the MATP is appropriate for an athlete, several factors must be considered. Basic motor skills are a critical factor; but equally important are social skills, ability to participate in group activities, ability to attend to a specific task, and receptive language abilities. 4

Evaluation Tools Special Olympics Michigan recommends the following evaluation tools to determine if an athlete is best suited for MATP. Two forms are used to determine whether the athlete will be best served by MATP or in the Skills program. 1.MATP Athlete Qualification form 2.Athlete Social Adaptability Questionare 5

Three forms help you gather necessary information on athletes who will be participating in MATP 1.Athlete Information Form 2.Motor Skills Assessment Form 3.Medical/Health Background 6

Principles to keep in mind: Motor skills and their corresponding Special Olympics Sport Mobility: leads to gymnastics Dexterity: leads to athletics or softball Striking: leads to softball, bowling, or volleyball Kicking: leads to soccer MATP is non-competitive There are no rules and no awards systems Emphasis should be on fundamentals and accomplishments rather than winning and losing 7

Principles to keep in mind (cont): Age appropriateness Teach skills that are geared to the participants chronological age, not mental age or functional abilities. Focusing on chronological age skills provides participants with dignity and helps them learn skills that will help them be more accepted by their peer group and their community Teach skills that will be used most often by participants 8

Michigan Thank you. 9