Sunday, March 23, 2008

Gertrude-Ederle-Award II

Some additional background information:

The Gertrude Edele Award "for the most meritorious CS&PF English
Channel swim by a woman" is a very special award. It is named after the first woman who "conquered" the English Channel in 1926, after only 6 men had succeeded, when people thought it very unlikely for a woman to be physically capable of completing such a challenge. "Trudi", by the way, was a German immigrant with a U.S. passport.

One biography says about her:
"Ederle was among the first real sports heroines to prove that women were not physically inferior or incapable of strenuous activity.... With determination and hard work, she illustrated the potential for women who practiced hard and maintained their dedication... The accomplishments of Gertrude Ederle will always serve as evidence for the endless possibilities for women in sport." http://www.edwardsly.com/ederleg.htm

This award is a very fitting tribute to Vijaya's determination, faith, perseverance and true "never give up"-attitude in a spirit of self-transcendence - qualities which make her one of the shining female athletes of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team and which also support her in her challenging work at the United Nations.

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