This weekend in Mbour, MATP athletes from Dakar, Mbour, and Ziguinchor benefited from a free medical consultation in several specialties: general medicine, gynecology, nutrition, and mental health (Strong Minds). The goal is to offer them follow-up tailored to their specific needs, which are often neglected in conventional hospital settings.

Dr. Saliou Diop, a volunteer physician, emphasizes that "these children have intellectual and motor disabilities that make it difficult to communicate their symptoms. We frequently observe flu-like symptoms, constipation linked to a limited diet, and hygiene problems such as earwax buildup. I appeal to the authorities and my fellow doctors to further support this type of initiative, which is entirely voluntary, but extremely rewarding."

This activity is organized by Special Olympics Senegal, which continues its commitment to inclusion by organizing a free medical consultation and training for athlete leaders, alongside the sports camp dedicated to athletes in the Motor Activities Training Program (MATP).

At the same time, 22 athlete leaders from different sub-programs received training in the Fitness Captains module. They were introduced to the benefits of sport, good nutritional practices, and first aid, in order to become relays capable of leading fitness activities and promoting a healthy lifestyle within their teams.

Camp MATP: a suitable framework for development

These activities are part of Camp MATP 2025, held from August 22 to 31 in Mbour. It brings together 16 athletes with severe intellectual and motor disabilities from Pikine, Saint-Louis, and Ziguinchor. For ten days, they will benefit from a rich and varied program: adapted sports activities, nutritional monitoring, artistic and cultural workshops, and collective evenings. A multidisciplinary team, composed of coaches, an occupational therapist, a nutritionist, and a doctor, supervises these athletes to stimulate their motor skills, dexterity, and general well-being.

Adama Sambou, head coach of the MATP program, emphasizes the importance of this approach: "Many of these athletes are sedentary, sometimes bedridden. This camp allows them to develop motor skills and muscle strengthening. But supervision remains a challenge, as some cannot communicate their needs. We are asking for the support of the government and people of good will to accompany this program and fight against the marginalization of these athletes."

After a camp dedicated to athletes with Down syndrome in 2023 and a relocated camp in Gambia in 2024, Special Olympics Senegal has chosen, in 2025, to honor the most vulnerable target: MATP athletes.