Unstoppable Determination: One Athlete's Journey of Passion and Love for Sport
For the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), Special Olympics is celebrating athletes like Michal Dolinsky!
Michal, a skier with Special Olympics Slovakia, competes through the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP)—Special Olympics’ movement-based sport program for athletes with profound intellectual disabilities who have high support needs.
Using an adaptive sit-style ski and a certified instructor's support, Michal conquers the slopes, showcasing his determination, talent, and love for sport.
MATP opens the world of sports to athletes of all abilities, proving that while the way they compete may differ, their passion, competitiveness, and joy for sport are universal.
Watch Michal’s inspiring journey and hear from his family, coach, and MATP experts about how this program redefines possibilities while celebrating the inclusion and power of sport!
Since 2001, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has generously supported the Special Olympics movement, expanding the reach and scope of key programs in health, inclusive sport, and community building.
In 2023, the LCIF made a further commitment to support the unique and vitally important Motor Activity Training Program. Through the support of LCIF, Special Olympics will be able to expand the global reach of MATP, ensuring that adults and children with intellectual disabilities will be able to access high quality, evidence informed sport and training opportunities, helping them to develop fundamental motor skills and sports skills appropriate for their ability levels. In addition, the partnership will also create increased service activities for Lions Clubs and Leo volunteers in support of Special Olympics athletes and their families.
Michal, a skier with Special Olympics Slovakia, competes through the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP)—Special Olympics’ movement-based sport program for athletes with profound intellectual disabilities who have high support needs.
Using an adaptive sit-style ski and a certified instructor's support, Michal conquers the slopes, showcasing his determination, talent, and love for sport.
MATP opens the world of sports to athletes of all abilities, proving that while the way they compete may differ, their passion, competitiveness, and joy for sport are universal.
Watch Michal’s inspiring journey and hear from his family, coach, and MATP experts about how this program redefines possibilities while celebrating the inclusion and power of sport!
Since 2001, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has generously supported the Special Olympics movement, expanding the reach and scope of key programs in health, inclusive sport, and community building.
In 2023, the LCIF made a further commitment to support the unique and vitally important Motor Activity Training Program. Through the support of LCIF, Special Olympics will be able to expand the global reach of MATP, ensuring that adults and children with intellectual disabilities will be able to access high quality, evidence informed sport and training opportunities, helping them to develop fundamental motor skills and sports skills appropriate for their ability levels. In addition, the partnership will also create increased service activities for Lions Clubs and Leo volunteers in support of Special Olympics athletes and their families.
