#United States #Rochester #Special Olympics #Health Leadership #Golisano Foundation

Celebrating the 2025 Global Golisano Health Leadership Award Winners

On October 3, 2025, a significant event took place in Rochester, New York, as the Special Olympics and the Golisano Foundation revealed the seven exceptional recipients of the 2025 Global Golisano Health Leadership Awards. This prestigious honor acknowledges individuals and organizations globally who have exemplified unwavering dedication to enhancing the health and welfare of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These awardees represent a beacon of hope and progress, striving for health equity within a population often sidelined by traditional healthcare systems.

The Essence of the Awards

Founded in 2017, the Global Golisano Health Leadership Awards serve to celebrate the profound impact of health partners engaged in serving those with IDD. By recognizing leaders who embody the values of Special Olympics Health, these awards aim to promote inclusive health policies and practices that resonate throughout communities across the globe.

At the heart of this initiative lies the enduring partnership between philanthropist Tom Golisano, who established the Golisano Foundation, and Special Olympics Health. Their collaborative efforts aim to enhance inclusive health practices worldwide, facilitating partnerships across public and private sectors to ensure better health outcomes for marginalized populations.

This year’s ceremony stood out not only for its recognition of transformative leadership but also as part of the Golisano Foundation's 40th anniversary celebration.

Honorees of 2025

The following individuals, each representing a unique geographical and professional landscape, were celebrated at this year's awards:

1. Dr. Kellye Knueppel (Wisconsin, USA) - An influential optometrist credited with developing the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Foundation's Opening Eyes® program, Dr. Knueppel has trained countless professionals and overseen more than 6,500 vision screenings, advocating for better eye care access for individuals with IDD.

2. Dr. Toh Teck Hock (Malaysia) - As a pediatrician and advocate for inclusive health policies, Dr. Hock founded the Agape Center, a developmental clinic that successfully integrates both children with and without disabilities into mainstream education, influencing national health and education policies.

3. Dr. María Teresa Barán Wasilchuk (Paraguay) - Paraguay's Minister of Health, Dr. Wasilchuk is a transformative figure pushing for inclusive health priorities on a national scale, intertwining policy change with health practice improvements for those with IDD.

4. Dr. Simeon Afolabi (Nigeria) - As an audiologist, Dr. Afolabi’s work at the BSA Speech and Language Centre has revolutionized inclusive hearing care in Nigeria, training over 1,700 healthcare professionals in best practices for supporting individuals with disabilities.

5. Dr. Yousef Alawadhi (Kuwait) - A prominent dentist, Dr. Alawadhi has been instrumental in advancing Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® screenings, thereby expanding critical health services to athletes across Kuwait.

6. Ulster University (Northern Ireland) - Recognized as a leader in inclusive health education, Ulster University is equipping future healthcare professionals with specialized training in IDD, enhancing access and healthcare quality for these communities.

7. Dr. Shamsiya Murat (Mongolia) - Practicing at Mongolia's only public children's hospital, Dr. Murat has broadened access to inclusive eye care by implementing and promoting Special Olympics screening guidelines across the medical community.

The Impact Unveiled

The award ceremony included moving documentary-style presentations that highlighted the day-to-day contributions of these honorees to their communities, showcasing their relentless commitment to improving the health and well-being of those they serve.

The event was moderated by Sargent Shriver Global Messengers, Margaret Turley from Special Olympics Ireland and Yeruult Batbayar from Special Olympics Mongolia. The atmosphere was further enhanced with remarks from notable figures, including Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver and Tom Golisano himself, who emphasized the significance of continued commitment and support for inclusive health initiatives.

Reflecting on the wealth of impactful stories shared, Dr. Dimitri Christakis, Chief Health Officer of Special Olympics, stated, “These honorees represent the pinnacle of global health leadership—motivated by innovation, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to inclusive health.”

As the ceremony drew to a close, the focus remained on the shared vision of creating a future where individuals with IDD can access quality healthcare, unrestrained by barriers. The narrative emerging from these awards highlights the pressing need for inclusion at every level of community health practices, ensuring that no one is left behind.

To delve deeper into the legacies of these outstanding awardees, visit the Special Olympics website where viewers can access videos and further information on their groundbreaking work.

About Special Olympics

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement aimed at eliminating discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities through sports and various programs. Engaging millions in over 200 countries, Special Olympics promotes acceptance and integrates health, education, and leadership initiatives for nurturing a more inclusive society.

About Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation

Tom Golisano, a trailblazer in both business and philanthropy, established the Golisano Foundation with a mission to enhance the lives of individuals with IDD. His extensive contributions, including over $330 million to hospitals and educational institutions, reflect a fervent commitment to fostering dignity and inclusive health practices globally.

For ongoing updates and initiatives, connect with us on various social media platforms or visit the SpecialOlympics.org and GolisanoFoundation.org.