Dr Al-Awadhi honored with 2025 Gulissano Int’l Health Award

KUWAIT: Special Olympics Kuwait honored Dr Youssef Al-Awadhi for receiving the 2025 Gulissano International Health Award, one of the most prestigious accolades conferred by Special Olympics International’s Global Health Leadership Program. The award was presented during the opening ceremony of the third health screening program, scheduled for October 22 at the Boulevard, where 150 athletes with intellectual disabilities will undergo assessments across eight medical specialties.

Rihab Bouresli, National Director of Special Olympics Kuwait, congratulated Dr Al-Awadhi, describing his global recognition as a testament to his outstanding contributions to athletes with intellectual disabilities and his efforts in promoting equal access to health and fitness services. She highlighted his leadership in numerous initiatives in dentistry and community healthcare, as well as his organization of field programs and regional and international collaborations to enhance health services for this segment of society.

Bouresli emphasized that the achievements of Special Olympics Kuwait and its athletes reflect the guidance, support, and patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may Allah protect him, and Kuwait’s commitment to advancing health and humanitarian initiatives locally and globally. She noted that the international award underscores the expertise and capabilities of Kuwait’s distinguished professionals in health and volunteer sectors.

Dr Al-Awadhi, a faculty member at the College of Dentistry at Kuwait University and consultant at the Ministry of Health, has an extensive record of volunteer and relief work at local, regional, and international levels. He joined Special Olympics Kuwait in 2019 after participating in the World Games in Abu Dhabi. Since then, he has spearheaded the Special Smiles program in Kuwait—part of the “Healthy Athletes” initiative—utilizing his medical center and expertise to expand health services for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the country.