Challenge Days
As previously stated, the Motor Activity Training Program emphasizes participation, rather than competition. Challenge Days are culminating activities that are intended to include the sport skills listed in this manual or modified to meet each athlete's individual needs. Challenge Days are designed to provide athletes with opportunities to demonstrate their personal best in sport skills. Often skills will have been modified to meet individual athlete's capabilities. These adaptations should be forwarded to coaches of all participants so that they can use the adaptations in their own training programs.
Many accredited programs have previously offered or cooperated with other programs that offer artistic, social, and cultural experiences. These activities can be offered alongside Challenge Days. This does not lessen the experience for the athletes but provides program directors with the opportunity to offer additional activities.
Athletes like to be recognized for their efforts. This is true of Motor Activity Training Program athletes who put as much effort into their sport skill development as other athletes. At the end of a training program, all athletes who participate in a Challenge Day are presented with a participation award. Awards at Challenge Days can be almost anything such as specially designed medals, certificates, pictures, hats or T-shirts. Motor Activity Training Program athletes are not eligible to receive Official Special Olympics Games medals indicating first, second or third place. Other medals may be awarded, but the presentation of soft toys is inappropriate.
This section is being developed in conjunction with the new Event Directors Guide to avoid duplicating materials. The new guide will be distributed with the Motor Activity Training Program Guide.
