London, UK – October 4, 2025

The movement toward achieving global wellness and health equity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) was spotlighted as the Special Olympics and the Golisano Foundation announced the seven recipients of the 2025 Global Golisano Health Leadership Awards. This accolade represents the highest honour in Special Olympics Health, recognizing exceptional organizations and professionals whose dedication is fundamentally transforming healthcare access and promoting inclusion worldwide.

The award ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle to eliminate the significant gap in care for one of the world’s largest underserved populations. The achievements of the honorees span policy transformation, clinical excellence, and vital health workforce training across four continents, driving the mission of inclusive health to the global stage.

Headline Points

 * Global Recognition: Seven leaders and one major institution from six countries were recognized with the 2025 Global Golisano Health Leadership Award, the top honour for Special Olympics Health partners.

 * Policy and Practice: Honorees include a national Minister of Health and a key educational institution, demonstrating impact from the highest levels of policy down to clinical training.

 * Specialized Care: The recognized efforts focused on critical health areas, including audiology, dentistry, ophthalmology, and early childhood developmental care.

 * Widespread Impact: The work of the recipients has led to significant advancements, including training over 1,700 healthcare professionals and making inclusive health a national priority in multiple countries.

 * Advancing Inclusion: The awards highlight the continuing necessity of the partnership with the Golisano Foundation, which has dedicated over $95 million to advancing inclusive health efforts globally.

A New Era of Health Policy and Training

The 2025 recipients represent a crucial mix of policymakers, clinicians, and academic pioneers who are dismantling systemic health barriers. Their efforts ensure that people with IDD can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

The award recipients for 2025 are:

 * Dr. María Teresa Barán Wasilchuk (Paraguay): As Paraguay’s Minister of Health, Dr. Barán has made inclusive health a national priority. Her leadership directly resulted in the launch of two critical policy resources: a Guideline for the Appropriate Treatment of People with Intellectual Disabilities for Health Professionals and a Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder, paving the way for lasting systemic change.

 * Ulster University (Northern Ireland): Recognized as a leading institution in inclusive health education and research, the university is equipping future health professionals with vital IDD-focused training. Its efforts are driving community-based health initiatives and policy partnerships, reflecting the academic sector’s role in promoting equity.

 * Dr. Simeon Afolabi (Nigeria): An audiologist and founder of the BSA Speech and Language Centre, Dr. Afolabi has transformed inclusive hearing care in Nigeria. His training of over 1,700 healthcare professionals and students has been instrumental in improving communication and care for Special Olympics athletes and the wider IDD community, through extensive Special Olympics Healthy Hearing screenings.

Clinical Excellence and Community Integration

The remaining clinical recipients demonstrate a commitment to hands-on, sustainable community impact:

 * Dr. Toh Teck Hock (Malaysia): A pediatrician and national advocate, Dr. Toh founded the Agape Center, a developmental clinic recognized for successfully integrating children with and without disabilities into mainstream education. He has also been a key figure in shaping national inclusive health policy in Malaysia.

 * Dr. Yousef Alawadhi (Kuwait): As a dentist, Dr. Alawadhi has led the establishment and expansion of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® screenings across Kuwait. His commitment has built inclusive health systems by securing essential medical equipment and recruiting health professionals.

 * Dr. Shamsiya Murat (Mongolia): Working as a pediatric ophthalmologist at Mongolia’s only public children’s hospital, Dr. Murat has expanded inclusive eye care by translating and promoting Special Olympics screening guidelines, now widely adopted by medical professionals in the country.

The Golisano Foundation, established by philanthropist Tom Golisano, remains a driving force behind these global health achievements. Mr. Golisano has dedicated more than $95 million to inclusive health initiatives globally, a monumental commitment that continues to empower the Special Olympics movement and shine a light on the health disparities faced by millions. The recognition of these seven global leaders affirms a growing worldwide commitment to dignity, independence, and better health outcomes for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.