• Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre makes history as first Emirati recipient of Global Golisano Award, announced at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023
• Nominees must fulfill specific criteria set by Special Olympics International, highlighting their services and commitment
• Award Presented to Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre in recognition of their collaboration with Special Olympics UAE to provide outstanding healthcare services to People of Determination with intellectual disabilities and their families
Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, June 22, 2023: Special Olympics UAE proudly announces that the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, its esteemed healthcare partner, has been awarded the prestigious Global Golisano Award for International Health Leadership. This achievement follows their previous victories in the Golisano Award for Local Health Leadership in 2021 and 2022.
The Global Golisano Award is widely regarded as the foremost honor in the health sector, specifically for People of Determination and the Special Olympics community.
HE Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, said: 'Seeing the award bestowed upon one of our partners serves as powerful motivation for us to persist in supporting our athletes across all our programs. The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre has been an invaluable local institution for the past five years, offering comprehensive assistance to our athletes. The center remains steadfast in supporting athletes since the World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 through specialized health programs throughout the year, and these programs were pivotal as we prepared for the World Games Berlin 2023.'
HE added: 'This ongoing partnership ensures that our athletes receive the utmost care and attention they deserve at the hands of the most qualified medical professionals who are well trained to cater to the specific needs of our athletes.'
The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre has actively organized health events and activities that promote a healthy lifestyle for People of Determination in the UAE. They have provided digital and practical educational resources to support parents, caregivers, and athletes. These resources include safety booklets, healthy food recipes, and educational brochures for children.
The center has strongly supported the Unified Healthcare Training Program presented by Special Olympics UAE. This program aims to prepare specialists and workers in the medical field with the best practices and training required to support People of Determination and their families appropriately.
Seven Clinical Directors from the center are qualified to provide free comprehensive medical examinations and support to athletes, families, and caregivers.
Additionally, the center has launched a comprehensive periodic screening program called IFHAS, which detects chronic diseases through examinations and is a certified Unified Healthcare Provider.
According to His Excellency Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre: 'The center is committed to delivering the highest quality of healthcare services without discrimination, and we will continue to do so. We attribute our success to the support of the UAE's leadership that prioritizes the health, well-being, and safety of People of Determination. This award is dedicated to them, and we take immense pride in witnessing the remarkable achievements of this inspiring community in our society. We aim to empower them to fulfill their dreams and aspirations and reach their full potential in sports and across all aspects of life.'
The Global Golisano Award is a testament to the growing profile of the UAE as a progressive society. It raises the standard for the provision of healthcare services available to People of Determination in the UAE and beyond.