The USOC launched Team for Tomorrow in 2008 to provide a vehicle for American athletes to offer assistance and support to those in need around the world.

The Stephens Family YMCA works with the main goal of empowering young people, and Forber-Pratt, a double Paralympic bronze medallist and the reigning T53 200 metres world record holder, shared her personal story with the young people at the facility.

She also spoke about the importance of living an active and healthy lifestyle.

"Team for Tomorrow provides me a platform to contribute to making the world a better place," said the 27-year-old from Massachusetts, who is paralysed from the waist down following a diagnosis of transverse myelitis, a neurological disorder, at the age of four and a half months.

"It's humbling to see my fellow athletes share the excitement I have in giving back to others.


"I believe that by wearing a Team USA jersey, we as athletes have a responsibility to give back, and I would not be where I am today if it were not for the wonderful role models and mentors in my own life."

Forber-Pratt is serving as one of the captains of the Team for Tomorrow Athlete Ambassador programme on behalf of the entire 2012 US Olympic and Paralympic Team, where she is tasked with educating her US team mates and spreading awareness about Team for Tomorrow's causes for 2012.

"We are excited to host Anjali at the Stephens Family YMCA because she provides a real-life role model for kids of all abilities," said Stephens Family YMCA chief operating officer Kim Webb.

"Anjali's athletic accomplishments reinforce the idea that any dream is possible."

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