Kuwaiti Dr. Yousef Alawadhi honored for Advancing Inclusive Health by Special Olympics, Golisano Foundation
Special Olympics and the Golisano Foundation have announced the recipients of the 2025 Global Golisano Health Leadership Awards, recognizing seven outstanding leaders from around the world, including Kuwaiti Dr. Yousef Alawadhi, for their exceptional contributions to improving healthcare access and outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The awards, the highest honor presented by Special Olympics Health, celebrate individuals and institutions that have demonstrated sustained leadership in promoting inclusive health and advancing equity for one of the world’s most marginalized populations.
Established in 2017, the Global Golisano Health Leadership Awards highlight the transformative impact of health partners who embody the mission and values of Special Olympics Health.
The initiative reflects the enduring partnership between philanthropist Tom Golisano, the Golisano Foundation and Special Olympics in driving inclusive healthcare globally and strengthening collaboration with public and private sectors.
This year’s ceremony, held as part of the Golisano Foundation’s 40th anniversary celebrations, honored the fifth cohort of global leaders.
The following are the 2025 honorees:
Dr. Kellye Knueppel (USA), an optometrist who has played a key role in the expansion of the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Foundation Opening Eyes®️ programme for more than two decades.
Dr. Toh Teck Hock (Malaysia), a paediatrician and national advocate for inclusive health policy and co-founder of the Agape Center.
Dr. María Teresa Barán Wasilchuk (Paraguay), Minister of Health, recognised for making inclusive health a national priority.
Dr. Simeon Afolabi (Nigeria), an audiologist and founder of BSA Speech and Language Centre, noted for advancing inclusive hearing care.
Dr. Yousef Alawadhi (Kuwait), a dentist who has led the establishment and expansion of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes®️ screenings across Kuwait.
Ulster University (Northern Ireland), for its leadership in inclusive health education, research and community engagement.
Dr. Shamsiya Murat (Mongolia), a paediatric ophthalmologist who has expanded inclusive eye care and promoted Special Olympics screening guidelines nationwide.
Each honoree was recognized through documentary-style videos highlighting their lasting impact on patients, families, students and communities.
The event was moderated by Special Olympics Global Messengers Margaret Turley and Yeruult Batbayar, with remarks from Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver, philanthropist Tom Golisano, Golisano Foundation Executive Director Erica Dayton and former Executive Director Ann Costello.
Marking the Foundation’s anniversary, Tom Golisano said the milestone was “not just a celebration, but a commitment to the future,” reaffirming the Foundation’s dedication to inclusion, opportunity and community development.
Special Olympics Chief Health Officer Dr. Dimitri Christakis praised the honorees for their compassion, innovation and leadership, noting that their achievements demonstrate what is possible when individuals and institutions commit to building a healthcare system that serves everyone.
