Photo: Photo: Front row: Renee Manfredi, Dr. Lin-Chung Woung, Nyasha Derera. Back row: Dr. David Jenkins, Abu Dhabi Public Health Center representative, Dr. Imke Kaschke, Dr. Georgina Toro, Kenya Medical Training College representative, and Dr. Hafizur Rahman. Event Video Berlin, Germany – June 19, 2023 – The fourth Global Golisano Health Leadership Awards were presented today at the Special Olympics World Games. As 6,000 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners from across the world convened in Berlin for a week of competition and camaraderie at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, global health leaders took their work to the center stage just down the road. The seven 2023 Golisano Global Health Leadership Award recipients are Dr. Rahman of Bangladesh, Dr. Georgina Toro of Chile, Dr. Lin-Chung Woung of Chinese Taipei, Dr. Imke Kaschke of Germany, The Kenya Medical Training College in Kenya, Abu Dhabi Public Health Center of the United Arab Emirates, and Dr. David Jenkins of the United States of America. (See Program Guide) The awards showcase the impactful work of Special Olympics and the Golisano Foundation to surmount the healthcare barriers faced by people with intellectual disabilities worldwide and push for more collaboration with public and private partners—critical to meeting these challenges. They are named for philanthropist and Paychex founder, Tom Golisano, who has donated more than $67 million to Special Olympics to launch Healthy Communities, expand the reach of Healthy Athletes, and increase access to health care around the world for people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics is the largest public health organization for people with intellectual disabilities. The Global Golisano Health Leadership Awards were established in 2017. 2023 marks the fourth Global Golisano Health Leadership Awards. They are the highest Special Olympics honor for health partners, recognizing their commitment to fulfilling the goals, values, and mission of Special Olympics Health. They are a testament to the powerful partnership between Tom Golisano, the Golisano Foundation, and Special Olympics Health that has, over the past decade, made a significant impact on the lives and health of people with intellectual disabilities worldwide. Erica Dayton, Golisano Foundation Executive Director, said, "We congratulate these seven extraordinary people and organizations for their unyielding dedication to making inclusive health a reality. They are champions that lead the way with persistence and passion. We commend their efforts and recognize that they are opening new doors and removing barriers to bring quality health care and equity to more people with intellectual disabilities every year." A special video address was given by outgoing Golisano Foundation Executive Director Ann Costello, who has worked alongside Special Olympics from the launch of Healthy Communities in 2012 helping navigate the global health program's expansion to more than 120 communities. She retired earlier this month. The event was hosted by Special Olympics Sargent International Global Messengers Renee Manfredi and Nyasha Derera. Speakers included Germany’s Commissioner for Matters relating to Persons with Disabilities Jürgen Dusel, the Golisano Foundation’s outgoing Executive Director Ann Costello, Global Ambassador Dr. Seun Adigun, and a musical celebration by Special Olympics athlete Renee Manfredi. ### |
Golisano Health Leadership Awards
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