MATP Training & Coaching Development in Europe (MATCODE)

Participation in sports and exercise is significantly low among people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD), who completely depend on others for almost every aspect of their life. With the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) the consortium wants to make a difference in their lives. MATCODE increases the participation of the PIMD group in physical activity, by:

1. Increase the choice in leisure activities for people with PIMD.
2. Curriculum development & capacity building.
3. Further develop MATP in 3 EU countries, incl. new exercises.
4. Building local and (inter)national cross-sectoral exchange networks: sport, health & education.

The Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) is designed for athletes who are unable to participate in official sport competitions because of their skill and/or functional abilities. MATP is effective to prepare athletes - including those with severe or profound intellectual disability and significant physical disabilities - for sport-specific activities appropriate for their ability levels. Therefore, MATP is one of the only movement activities suitable for people with PIMD.

Resources:

1. Stakeholdersanalysis (2023):

To participate in the MATP, it is important to not only focus on the person with PIMD, but also focus on the context of athletes, because people with PIMD need support of their environment to facilitate exercise and movement. This environment has a lot of influence on the amount and quality of their physical activity. To determine the context of the person with PIMD related to sports and exercise and in particular MATP, a stakeholder analysis according to the ecological model of Bronfenbrenner can be used. This enables us to see the context of the person with PIMD, and we can also better understand and explain the differences and similarities in MATP between countries.

Download Stakeholdersanalysis

2. Coach Course Curriculum (2023):

This Coach Course is designed by Disabled Sports the Netherlands (Dutch federation for sports for people with a disability), Special Olympics Ireland, Special Olympics Slovakia and the Academic Collaborative Centre for PIMD (from the Netherlands). It is designed in 2023 within the Erasmus+ project MATCODE (Motor Activities Training Programme Training & Coaching Development In Europe) that is Co-funded by the European Union.

For receiving the Coach Course Presentation send an e-mail to info@gehandicaptensport.nl

Download Course Syllabus

Download Athlete Passport

Download Benefits of participating in MATP

3. Needs Assessment (2024): 

The needs assessment provides insight into how organizations approach setting up MATP activities and everything that entails. This can encompass practical matters, the content of training, as well as coaching skills necessary to deliver MATP.

Download the Needs Assessment

4. Best Practices Report (2024)

By collecting best practices, we aim to investigate what works well within the MATP-program and the MATCODE-project. By doing so, best practices can be used as guidelines to improve the Special Olympics international handbook, to make a more uniform program that is more likely to contain the effective elements of MATP. By involving all layers of people involved, the environment will be taken into consideration, which plays an important role in facilitating exercise and movement for the athlete.

Download the Best Practices Report

5. MATP Poster (2024)

Download the MATP Poster

6. The MATP Handbook (2025)

This handbook is designed as a practical guide to introduce professionals, trainers, and coaches to the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) and support them in successfully implementing it in practice.The handbook includes examples of training programs that professionals can use for inspiration. These include activities with various difficulty levels and exercises that are easily adaptable. The ultimate goal is to provide athletes with a valuable experience that enhances their self-confidence, social interactions, and physical skills.

Download the MATP Handbook

7. MATCODE YouTube Channel: 

For examples and inspiration take a look at: https://www.youtube.com/@MATCODE_25

“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.”