Please take a moment to read thru the information below for dates, locations and registration materials for Special Olympics Maine’s upcoming Regional Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) opportunities.
It is important to understand that this program is designed to offer athletes with severe to profound disabilities an opportunity to participate in a Special Olympics program. The program is not one of competition by nature, but rather stresses participation. It is an opportunity for this very special population to “show their stuff.” We have targeted six activity areas. The culmination of the Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) is a Motor Activities “Training Day.”
Each athlete attending will have the opportunity to “show their stuff” in at least 3 activity areas, depending upon the areas that he or she has prepared for. Additionally, those coaches who have attended a Motor Activities Coaches Training School, and have athletes prepared to attempt their own “goals and objectives” are encouraged to prompt their athletes to success during the event. Coaches are ENCOURAGED to bring any equipment that will help display their athletes success during the event.
The Motor Activities Training Program is very adaptable, using many different types of adaptable equipment and means for achieving the greatest level of participation. Levels of assistance from coaches range from verbal to “hand over hand”; whatever it may take to get the desired results with this very special population.
Schedule for Both Events:
9:30am – REGISTRATION
9:45am – WARM-UPS/PREPARATION, ROM, stretching; done by coaches bringing athletes
10:15am – PARADE
10:30am – MOTOR ACTIVITIES, time to visit the different venues
11:30am – MEDAL PRESENTATIONS
12:00pm – LUNCH – you need to bring your own (any remaining awards will also be given)
After lunch – DEPARTURE
It’s a busy schedule with a lot to do! We are looking forward to a great time with these special athletes!
Again, we’d like to stress that the essence of this day is participation, not competition, and INTERACTION AT THE VENUES BETWEEN YOU & YOUR ATHLETES IS A MUST! It is you, the coaches, that have been training with your athletes – so you know how to get the best from your people! Let’s come together to give these athletes a chance to “show their stuff!”
*ITEMS of IMPORTANCE*
1. Please don’t forget to bring your own lunches!
2. If you have other questions or concerns call us at 879-0489.
– Registration Deadline for Central ME MATP is Wednesday, March 7th
– Registration Deadline for Southern ME MATP is Wednesday, April 25th