MATP Makes a Splash with Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Region

The SO MENA MATP Coach event was conducted in Kuwait from September 6 – 10, 2024. The event brought together nine Special Olympics programs from across the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region, including participants from Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Morocco, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. In total, 30 coaches were trained—20 from SO Kuwait and 10 from other MENA programs—along with the participation of 40 MATP athletes.

The primary objective of this event was to equip coaches with essential skills and resources to effectively train athletes within the MATP framework. The training emphasized the creation of tailored coaching plans that take into account the individual abilities and needs of each athlete. Another key aspect of the training was to empower the coaches to not only train athletes but also other coaches. This approach, known as the Train-the-Trainer (TTT) model, ensures the sustainability and expansion of MATP across the region.

The training was led by Dr. Eleni Rossides, who participated remotely via Zoom, and Niamh Morton, Senior Manager of MATP for Special Olympics International (SOI). With support from Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), the event was able to introduce several new initiatives that aim to enhance the impact of the MATP.

The event marked several significant milestones:

• Athlete Empowerment: Four athletes were trained as assistant coaches, representing a key step toward greater athlete empowerment. These athlete leaders played an important role in the training, demonstrating the potential for athletes to take on leadership and coaching roles within the program.
  
• First in-person meeting between former and current SSGMs (Maryam Thiab &
  Mujahed Al Sharani). This meeting provided an invaluable platform for experience
  sharing and mutual learning and they delivered inspiring speeches during the
  opening of the MATP Coach Training, setting a positive tone for the event and
  fostering a sense of inclusion, motivation and purpose among all participants.

• Family Involvement: In a groundbreaking move, three family members were trained as assistant coaches, underscoring the importance of family engagement in athlete development. This also strengthened the role of family members in fostering the growth and success of athletes with intellectual disabilities.
• Health Screening Initiatives: For the first time, health screenings specifically tailored for the MATP athlete population were conducted. These screenings focused on "Opening Eyes" (vision) and "Healthy Hearing" (hearing) disciplines and were conducted at the same venue as the training, making it convenient and accessible for all participants.
• Best Practices and Knowledge Sharing: Coaches were encouraged to share best practices, challenges, and innovative strategies from their respective programs. This exchange facilitated knowledge transfer and strengthened the overall MATP implementation in each country.

Fatma: A remarkable MATP athlete, Fatma had never experienced swimming or even visited a swimming pool before the event. During her first Healthy Athletes screening, a vision issue was discovered, and she was referred to a specialized clinic. Despite this, Fatma’s enthusiasm never faltered. She approached her first swimming session with joy and confidence, inspiring everyone around her. Her experience demonstrated how sports can open new doors and create opportunities for personal growth, even in the face of challenges.

Abdallah: Known for his strong-willed "my way or no way" attitude, Abdallah initially found it difficult to follow coaching instructions. However, through the patience and persistence of his coaches, he gradually began to follow guidance, highlighting how sports can play a key role in promoting positive behaviors and self-discipline.

“My experience at the workshop was truly remarkable, and its success was evident from the start. The organization and hospitality were superb, making us feel like one team, united by a shared goal: ensuring sports are accessible and adaptable for every ability.

The blend of theoretical and practical sessions was invaluable. We learned how to assess athletes, set up stations, prepare for sports activities, and collaborate effectively as a team.

One moment that deeply impacted me was assisting Fatma, who was in a wheelchair and entering the water for the first time. Everyone watched with a mix of anxiety and anticipation, as it was the first time any of us had seen Fatma go swimming, and she had never been to a pool before. Despite the nerves, the look in Fatma's eyes and the trust she placed in me gave me the strength and determination to help her into the water. I felt a profound sense of responsibility and I whispered to her, "We can do it."

As we completed the water exercises, Fatma’s face lit up with a smile, and her eyes sparkled with joy. In that moment, her expression spoke volumes without words “she felt safe, happy, and accomplished.”

This workshop will remain one of my sweetest memories, and now, the hard work truly begins to implement what we were trained on.”

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be trained as an assistant Coach for MATP. I fully embrace this responsibility, and I’m committed to working diligently to support coaches in training MATP athletes. Additionally, I will actively advocate through media, various platforms, and associations for the equal rights of MATP athletes to be included in our communities, alongside their families, and to have access to high-quality sports and health opportunities.”

“The Regional MATP coach training in Kuwait has been immensely beneficial, providing invaluable knowledge about the MATP program and effective methods for implementation using simplified approaches and any available resources. Both, the theoretical and practical aspects of the training, have significantly enhanced my skills, which will play a key role in the implementation of the MATP in Oman.

Additionally, the training had a profound impact on me personally, I was moved by the immediate impact, enthusiasm and joy of MATP athletes and their families as they engaged in various activities and skill stations. Seeing the happiness and pride of parents, whether through their direct involvement or observing their children’s inclusion and interaction with the larger community, highlighted the powerful outcomes of the MATP.”

“One of the most remarkable workshops I have ever attended, as it included both theoretical and practical components. This allowed me to work with coaches from different countries and exchange experiences. We also witnessed how the MATP plays a crucial role in developing abilities, boosting self-confidence, fostering social interaction among the MATP athletes, coaches, and everyone involved. It also emphasizes having fun and celebrating all abilities.

One of the most beautiful and joyful moments was when Fatma entered the water, the happiness on her face was truly heartwarming. I was also impressed by the athlete leaders’ speeches and their active involvement in the workshop, where they effectively assisted both coaches and MATP athletes.”

“I recently attended the MATP coach training held in Kuwait and found it to be a highly valuable and informative experience. The training provided an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge and insights from both the incredible instructors and fellow coaches with SO MENA region. The combination of lectures and practical hands-on sessions created an effective learning environment, equipping us with the necessary tools and confidence to implement the acquired knowledge on our respective roles.”

The SO MENA MATP Coach Training event in Kuwait was a significant milestone in the development and expansion of the MATP across the MENA region. It not only equipped coaches with the necessary skills to support MATP athletes but also empowered athletes and families to take on more active roles. Through knowledge sharing, family involvement, and athlete leadership, the program continues to foster inclusion, confidence, and growth for athletes with intellectual disabilities.