Team A

Our morning in Ottawa began with a run through the city culminating on the steps of City Hall, where we were graciously received by Mayor Larry O'Brien.

Mayor O'Brien joined us in a symbolic lap around the world before joining Canadian Montessori Academy school children in a rousing rendition of the World Harmony Run theme song.

Canadian Coordinator Prapti Jensen presented the City of Ottawa with one of Sri Chinmoy's paintings in gratitude for the city receiving the torch.

Councillor Marianne Wilkinson joins Prapti for a lap of honour in front of City Hall.

The team enjoys the school performances.

The children get a chance to run with the torch.

...and so do the teachers.

Abichal enjoys the proceedings.

Adarini takes a global perspective.

One of our staunchest supporters, Mukti Lok, makes a wish for world harmony.

We then headed west to the town of Manotick to visit St. Leonard School, where we presented the World Harmony Run video.

Selected students who are part of a school running club relayed the torch around the auditorium.

All thanks to Elizabeth Larock for arranging our visit. She is also the driving force behind the school's running club - thanks so much for having us.

Out in the school yard everyone jumped to hold the torch.

Team B

Run – Run – Run – Run – Run – Run – World Harmony Runnnnnn

Run – Run . . . . this catchy song had been in my head since I learned it – three days ago! At least I knew I would be prepared for my first Harmony Run ceremony! Our first event in Ottawa was at Hawthorne Public School.

We were greeted by principal Francesse Kopczewski accompanied by a few students. We shared our message with the children, sang the World Harmony Run song, played a few games and then headed outside for a run. Principal Kopczewski let each student touch the torch, which gave them much joy. This was a very joyful experience and seemed to really inspire the kids.

Our next appointment was at Charles H. Hulse. Before the ceremony, the team got a chance to chat with the charismatic principal Mr. Harvey Scott and found out that his student-body had more diverse nationalities than any other school in Ottawa.

We shared our song and taught them the moves to go along – everybody joined in.

We all met outside afterwards to run with the torch.

The childrens' faces lit up as the torch was passed around. The students left us with much joy, and all the girls left with smiling faces. Time to go on to the next school! We were warmly greeted at St. George’s Catholic School by the principal Mr. Michael Keeler along with a CTV cameraman, and the story would air that night at 6! I got a little nervous knowing that it would be on national television, but quickly realized I had nothing to worry about – all I had to do was sing the song! I was good at that.

The students were very spirited and eager to listen to our message. They learned the song very quickly and sang with us enthusiastically.

Before the team left, every student had a chance to touch the torch and make a wish for Harmony.

We left the school at 2pm, and it was time for lunch! After a delicious meal at Perfection-Satisfaction-Promise, we had officially completed our schedule for the day.

Today, my first day on the run, I sang the World Harmony Run song more than 10 times.

I will continue on the run until we reach Vancouver (my hometown) for another 26 days. I can only imagine how many more times I will sing the song until then!

Amy from Vancouver

– Salil Wilson

Distance: 25 km

Team Members:
Prapti Jensen (Canada), Sevati Bondanza (El Salvador), Adarini Inkei (Switzerland), Elke Lindner (Germany), Tanuja Konecna (Czech Republic), Medur Wilson (Canada), Salil Wilson (Australia), Amy (Canada), Abichal Neil Spencer (Wales)

Harmonemail:
You can send a message to the runners or read the messages.

Gallery: See more images!