SEND Network

AI am Jon Hayes, Volunteer Chair of Special Olympics Wales, dedicated to creating inclusive sporting opportunities for individuals with intellectual and learning disabilities. Our year-round sports programmes are specifically designed to support SEND individuals, providing them with structured, accessible, and enjoyable opportunities to participate in sports and physical activities. Our programmes focus on skill development, confidence-building, and social inclusion, ensuring that every athlete-regardless of ability-can engage in sport in a way that suits their individual needs. By working closely with schools, coaches, and families, we create tailored sporting experiences that foster independence and promote lifelong participation in physical activity. A key initiative is the Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Programme (MATP), a unique programme specifically designed for athletes of all ages with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) or complex needs. MATP provides a personalised and adaptable approach to physical activity, focusing on fundamental movement skills, motor development, and sensory engagement. The programme enables athletes to develop their physical abilities at their own pace, ensuring that every participant can experience success and celebrate their progress. I am keen to connect with professionals in the SEND sector to collaborate on inclusive initiatives, share best practices, and explore innovative ways to break down barriers to participation in sport. Let’s work together to create a more inclusive and accessible sporting landscape in Wales and beyond!