Motor Activity Training Program Proposal

Special Olympics MATP Healthy Athletes Protocol Development Background

MATP (Motor Activity Training Program) is a Special Olympics sports program designed for athletes with severe, profound and multiple intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who have high support needs. The new MATP Healthy Athletes protocol will integrate health screening with inclusive sport to better address unique health challenges in this group. The evidence-based protocol will target risk factors related to the “fatal five” causes of preventable death: aspiration, dehydration, infection, bowel obstruction, and seizures as well as other comorbidities and risk factors prevalent in this population. As with the Special Olympics’ existing Healthy Athletes model, the screening will offer referrals for additional assessments and care where indicated, as well as provide important health education to both

athletes and their caregivers. By combining health screening with sport, this pro...