Special Olympics Ireland launches new MATP Activity Guide for coaching athletes with complex needs

Special Olympics Ireland officially launched its new Motor Activity Training Programme (MATP) Activity Guide on Friday 15th May with the team at Avista, Saint Vincent’s Centre Gym in Dublin. The Guide is intended for coaches working with athletes who have complex and higher support needs, and features a variety of movement, activity and training ideas to help coaches work with athletes in new and dynamic ways. This is a prime example of our movement's commitment to inclusion in action.

The new guide represents the culmination of an Erasmus+ funded collaboration between Special Olympics Ireland, Special Olympics Slovakia, and the Dutch Disability Sports Federation. The project focused on strengthening inclusive sport delivery for athletes with higher support and complex needs, while providing coaches and practitioners with practical, adaptable resources to support athlete-centred participation and development.

The launch featured a live MATP athlete exhibition showcasing adapted sport activities and demonstrations of coaching practice, highlighting the creativity, skill, and joy at the heart of the programme.

The launch event, hosted by broadcaster and newly appointed Special Olympics Ireland Ambassador Gráinne McElwain, welcomed athletes, coaches, families, programme leaders, partners, and invited guests for a morning celebrating inclusion, participation, and achievement through sport.

Gráinne McElwain said: “The Activity Guide, and the MATP programme, breaks down barriers and ensures that every single person can participate at the ability level that’s right for them. MATP shows us what true inclusion can be. It supports physical wellbeing, builds confidence, and creates connections long after the activity is finished, so that people feel understood and valued. The value that comes across most strongly is kindness – which is hugely important and under-recognised.”

Also in attendance was Karen Coventry, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, who joined attendees in recognising the importance of the programme and the impact MATP continues to have on athletes and families across Ireland.

Special Olympics Ireland has worked collaboratively with Avista for many years in supporting MATP athletes and developing inclusive opportunities for participation in sport and physical activity. The organisation’s contribution to the programme, alongside coaches, athletes, and families, was recognised throughout the event.

Speakers on the day included Director of Sport Oisín Jordan, MATP Coach Carmen Martinez, and MATP athlete and ambassador Francis Donnelly, who shared their experiences of the programme and the positive impact MATP has had on athlete confidence, mobility, communication, and social connection.

Carmen Martinez, MATP Coach said: “Through the MATP programme you can see the athletes growing in confidence, growing in physical abilities, and growing in the idea of being a part of something bigger than just a sports club. For the athletes to be seen as the individuals they are is so important. We have seen that growth happens when athletes believe that they can grow – it’s about focusing on capabilities.”

Grainne McElwain spoke with Francis Donnelly, MATP Athlete Ambassador. When asked if was excited to be involved as one of the Athlete Faces of the Ireland Summer Games he answered with a resounding “YES”.

Francis Donnelly will be taking part in the MATP Athlete Showcase at the Ireland Summer Games on Friday 19th June along with over 40 other MATP athletes from across the Island of Ireland. This will be an ideal opportunity celebrate the achievements and abilities of MATP athletes and give them recognition on a national stage.

The event also recognised the significant contribution of Shaun Hennessy, Project Lead, and Dr. Hayley Kavanagh in the development of the guide and supporting resources.

Speaking at the launch, Oisín Jordan, Director of Sport for Special Olympics Ireland highlighted the importance of ensuring MATP athletes are recognised as an integral part of the Special Olympics programme and that inclusive participation opportunities exist for all athletes, regardless of ability level.

Oisin Jordan, Director of Sport for Special Olympics Ireland said: “MATP is a vital part of Special Olympics Ireland, and the athletes here today and across the programme put in an incredible amount of hard work and persistence – you can see from today’s demonstration how much concentration and practice it takes.”

“This Guide is an important step forward because it gives opportunities for athletes with additional support needs to participate meaningfully in physical activity. The MATP Showcase on Friday 19th June will be one of the major highlights of the Ireland Games. I encourage everyone to go and see MATP athletes show their capabilities which they have put so much hard work and perseverance towards.”

The MATP Activity Guide aims to support coaches in delivering consistent, engaging, and developmentally appropriate sessions that promote mobility, coordination, health, confidence, and meaningful participation for athletes across a wide range of abilities.

Find out more about the MATP Programme, the Activity Guide, and video resources available here: Motor Activities Training Program | Special Olympics Ireland