Global health leaders visit Derry as Ulster University celebrates prestigious Golisano Award

Ulster University has welcomed a high-profile international delegation from the Golisano Foundation and Special Olympics to its Derry campus, following the University’s recent recognition as a recipient of the 2025 Global Golisano Health Leadership Award.

The prestigious award – the highest honour presented by Special Olympics for advancing inclusive health – recognised Ulster’s exceptional partnership with Special Olympics Ireland in improving health outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities.

During their visit, senior representatives from the Golisano Foundation and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia and Special Olympics International toured Ulster’s Derry campus, including the School of Medicine, and met with academic staff and students involved in inclusive health programmes.

The delegation’s visit reflects Ulster University’s growing international standing in inclusive health education, research and community partnership. Discussions focused on strengthening global collaboration, expanding inclusive health initiatives, and continuing to address health inequities experienced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Professor Cathy Gormley-Heaney, Provost at Ulster University, said: “We are honoured to welcome colleagues from the Golisano Foundation and Special Olympics to our campus. Their visit underscores our shared commitment to advancing inclusive health.

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“This recognition – and the opportunity to host such a distinguished delegation – affirms Ulster University’s leadership role in driving meaningful, sustainable change for people with intellectual disabilities, both locally and globally.”

The visit builds on Ulster’s longstanding collaboration with Special Olympics Ireland, spearheaded by Dr Angela Carlin and colleagues, which provides inclusive health training, community outreach and health screening initiatives while equipping the next generation of healthcare professionals with the skills and values to deliver person-centred, inclusive care.

PICTURED ABOVE: Pictured during a visit by representatives from Special Olympics International, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, Special Olympics Ireland and the Golisano Foundation to Ulster University’s Derry campus are left to right: Erica Dayton, Executive Director, Golisano Foundation; Kathy Fulcher, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, Special Olympics Ireland; Dr Erin Byrd, Ulster University; Oisin Jordan, Special Olympics Ireland; Onolee Stephan, Senior Director of Healthy Communities, Special Olympics; Dr Dimitri Christakis, Chief Health Officer, Special Olympics; Ilse Hemmelmayr, Senior Manager of Health Programs, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia; and Bjoern Koehler, Senior Director for Special Olympics Health, Europe Eurasia.