Anjali Forber-PrattAnjali is a born fighter.Born in Calcutta (now known as Kolkata) India, Anjali lived in an orphanage for two and a half months before being adopted by her loving family from Natick, Massachusetts. Two ...
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“It is a privilege for the United States Olympic Committee to recognize those who have made a commitment to promoting excellence in the lives of people with physical and visual disabilities,” Charlie Huebner, USOC Chief of Paralympics said. “Every year, the Paralympic Movement gains momentum across the United States and we have our Amazing Award winners to thank. They are at the forefront of our Movement’s growth on every level, from grassroots programming through international competition.”
“Anjali is an amazing young woman. She has travelled to India, Ghana and basically started the Bermuda Wheelchair (WC) racing team. She also does a lot of work within the US with young athletes. She developed her own coloring book on and about children with disabilities.”
“With the award itself, to me it also came full circle to know that Jessica Cooper Lewis, the young Bermudian athlete that I've been mentoring, hit a London B qualification standard on Saturday night. She has come a long way and is carving her own niche, that's what mentoring is all about. Helping others to develop and achieve their own dreams. It's amazing to be a part of something bigger than yourself.”
“We are thrilled that this incredible roster of Athlete Ambassadors and their teammates are making time to visit local Boys & Girls Clubs through Team for Tomorrow in the lead-up to the London 2012 Games,” said Wayne B. Moss, Boys & Girls Clubs of America Senior Director of Sports, Fitness & Recreation. “The inspiration that these individuals will bring to their communities will undoubtedly make this summer’s Games unforgettable for everyone involved and leave lasting memories for dozens of young people.”
“I was exposed to a variety of sports at an early age, but took a strong liking to track, and by time I turned nine was competing at the national level in track and field. Following a crash in a road race where I broke both wrists, I endured a forced hiatus from wheelchair racing. But, I refused to give up competitive sports. I switched to downhill skiing, which was less intensive on my wrists.”
“This is such a wonderful opportunity to reach young women to encourage them to go into education particularly STEM fields,” shared Forber-Pratt. “There will be over 200 in attendance at least at each event. It's a great add-on to the fact that I got my Ph.D. last week from the University of Illinois. I was told more than once it couldn’t be done and I’ve done it.”
Anjali truly exemplifies the qualities every professor wants in a doctoral student -- commitment, attention to detail and creativity. Without a doubt, she will rank among the most outstanding students I have worked with in my career.
“My story is powerful in that it shows the power of overcoming obstacles and that we all have potential to achieve ... even in the face of adversity,
“When I first heard of Anjali … I was very impressed. The quiet tenacity by which she has gone about achieving her athletic success comes out as well in her academic pursuits. Anjali is a terrific person. We’ve met up several times at events for the Paralympics. She’s a well-rounded and very accomplished woman, one of many from the University of Illinois, which I have been fortunate to observe. Although I have been involved mostly with her athletic accomplishments and not directly with her academic efforts, just knowing all that she has combined as an athlete and as a successful pursuer of a doctorate is impressive in itself.”
“It was a true delight to have Anjali participate at the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Half Marathon,” said Tracy Sundlun, SVP of Competitor Group, organizer of the event. “What an amazing person. What a great role model. Not only is she a world-class athlete, but she’s about to get her PhD. She was truly an inspiration to all of us who a chance to spend time with her.”