From October 1-5, 2025, Special Olympics Middle East & North Africa (SOMENA) hosted the first-ever Continental MATP Coach Training Seminar and Family Health Forum in Abu Dhabi. Held at the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO), this groundbreaking week welcomed delegations from 11 MENA programs, Egypt, Jordan, Iran, Morocco, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Libya, Bahrain, and the UAE along with 6 Africa programs, including South Africa, Senegal, Madagascar, Kenya, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
The week focused on empowering athletes with severe disabilities by advancing inclusive sport coaching, accessible health services, and regional family engagement. A major highlight was the MATP Coach Training Seminar which gave coaches the tools to deliver individualized, meaningful physical activity programs for athletes with severe or multiple disabilities. MATP technical sessions were led by Dr. Eleni Rossides, Global Technical Advisor for MATP, and Dr. Niamh Mourton, Senior Manager for MATP at Special Olympics International. External speakers also covered topics such as injury prevention, mental health, and sound healing. Practical workshops took place each day, helping coaches apply techniques and build athlete-centered approaches while also addressing volunteer management, safety, and event setup.
The event included a powerful MATP “Come & Try” demo, where 50 athletes showcased adapted sports activities designed specifically for athletes with high support needs. These demonstrations highlighted creativity, collaboration, and the potential of inclusive sport. Meanwhile, health was a key pillar of the week’s activities. A total of 139 specialized screenings were conducted under the Healthy Athletes program: 52 Special Smiles, 49 Healthy Hearing, and 38 Fit Feet. These screenings ensured that the athletes were healthy and prepared for physical activity.
In parallel, the Family Health Forum brought together families from across the two regions to share experiences and collaborate on advocacy, inclusion, and sustainable health and sports access. Families engaged in dialogue around healthcare access, emotional support, and building community partnerships. They also presented local initiatives and exchanged best practices, highlighting the essential role families play in athlete empowerment.
A key moment in the week was the training of five Athlete Leaders from Egypt, Kuwait, and the UAE as Assistant Coaches for MATP.
Their participation marked a major step in athlete-led program delivery, empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to take on leadership roles in coaching and development. Their inclusion emphasized the broader shift toward inclusive leadership within Special Olympics programming.
SOMENA President Eng. Ayman Abdel Wahab reflected, “This event is more than training—it’s a celebration of human potential and a bold call for inclusive health and sports.” The event left a lasting impact, reinforcing the shared vision of building a world where every athlete, regardless of ability, is included and empowered.
