It was brisk and very frosty as our runners set off from the town of Ross before dawn. Kel, of Perth, hit his stride early, as he ran in search of tomorrow’s sun.

At Campbell Town Primary School, over 100 children gathered around a team of runners outside in the crisp but sunny morning. We told them about the run and they passed around the torch. It was wonderful to hear from the children what the word “harmony” meant to them. One child said that they thought of “joy.” We have to agree as we feel so happy to see the joy that children experience when they hold the torch. Thanks to Mr Tom Viney and Ms Di Gilbert for co-ordinating our visit.

When we got to Youngtown Primary School, the Principal, Ms Shireen Thomas told us that, “The World Harmony Run embodies the ideals that we are trying to teach the children.” At this school, the children don’t use bells when it is time to assemble. They come together to the sound of music. The children call themselves, “peace-builders” and undertake, “peace-building” activities. Is it time to learn about cooking? Well, let’s not make Rocky Road, but Peace Road instead! We thought that was awesome. Thank you for your parting gift of delicious Tasmanian Apples and sports drink. It really helped us on our way.

As we were running between Ross and Perth, a friendly local stopped and took the opportunity to hold the harmony torch. It was great to meet her! Be sure to give us a wave when you see us on the road as we love to meet new people.

All the runners met up for a visit to Glen Dhu Primary School. A big thanks to the Principal, Belinda Corbett, for putting on such a great show for us. Glen Dhu Primary is nearly 110 years old and has a diverse student body. In recognition of this, the school rotates 15 different flags on its flagpole, from that of Bosnia to Sierra Leone, to name a few. What a practical demonstration of what harmony means in the world. Here are Abebech and Isaac, both 11 years old, from Year 5 and 6 holding the torch.

Our visit coincided with an Assembly and we had a chance to talk to the 300 children about the World Harmony Run. They had some interesting questions for us. After we performed our theme song, they gave us a beautiful rendition of We Are The World. I know quite a few of our runners were moved to shed a few tears! Thank you. Below is the full compliment of our female runners for the Tasmanian leg of the run, at the ceremony.

The Mayor of Launceston, Janie Dickenson, made a special appearance at the school for our visit. She was a very enthusiastic supporter of the spirit of The Harmony Run. All the children were enthralled by her short but powerful speech. We could really tell how much she appreciates and values her community.

To finish our wonderful day, we met Lyn at Treasure Island Caravan Park, in Glen Dhu. She arranged a heavily discounted rate for our overnight stay. Thanks Lyn, the World Harmony Run relies on the big hearts of people like yourself to keep the flame moving around the world.

See you on the road tomorrow.

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