The cross-country running team of Couchiching Heights Public School greets us on the front lawn . . .

with principal Jan Rutherford and Orillia Mayor Ron Stevens . . .

 

and then ran a harmony lap around the school.

 

Triumphant torchbearers of the Harmony Run Flame.

 

All Harmony-Smiles from Coldwater Mayor Phil Flood and students at Coldwater Public School.

 

Michel Gill running the torch to Midland Ontario.

 

closely followed by Greg Hilton.

 

Salil running into the Bayview Public School in Midland with the school running team.

A. D. MacDonald, Principal, and Councillor Contin of Midland holding the Harmony Torch.

 

The Grade 1 class poses with the torch.

 

Students at Wyevale Central Public School finding harmony inside their hearts . . .

 

and with their friends . . .

 

and carrying the torch around the school in a Harmony Walk.

 

The World Harmony Run arrives at Birchview Dunes Elementary School in Wasaga Beach . . .

 

to an enthusiastic reception.

 

Wasaga Beach Deputy Mayor David Foster greets the runners at Birchview Dunes Elementary School.

- Medur Wilson

Team B

“Harmony is the morning sun rising within, with all its promises”

– Sri Chinmoy (the visionary who founded the World Harmony Run)

We awoke this morning to a breathtaking sunrise over the sparkling waters that line the gorgeous Fern Resort. The team drank in the waterfront view one last time before beginning the adventures for the day.

Luckily for us, our whole day was accented with scenes of nature's beauty.

 

Our first stop was in Barrie at the Sister Catherine Donnelly Catholic School, where we were welcomed by 380 students...

the friendly staff ...

...and City Councillor Rod Jackson.

The ceremony had a very energetic and fun feeling to it; especially during the Harmony Run Song and, as always, the running!

Off to Collingwood!

 

As we began to run into our next event at the Connaught Public School, we were very happy to meet an enthusiastic group of women including Helen Jensen, who is the mother of Prapti - the Canadian coordinator of the WHR.

They just happened to be in town on this very day to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of their graduation from nursing school. How serendipitous! They joined us for a great ceremony at the school.

 

Also present was City Councillor Dave Labelle who very generously offered a gift package for each runner as well as some very kind words.

 

At the end of the presentation, we invited the students to ask any questions they might have for the team. “I am really happy to be up here right now because it’s so much fun,” said one beaming little boy. It was our favourite “question” of the day.

Staying hydrated!

In between towns, we ran across the shore of Northwinds Beach.

In Thornbury, we visited the Beaver Valley Community School.

Mayor Ellen Anderson greeted us. She impressed us with her enthusiasm and her rapport with all of the school children.

We ran 3 laps around the schoolyard with a great group of students who left us in the dust. Even while sprinting, we couldn’t keep up with them!

We couldn’t help but notice the hundreds of scarecrows that lined the streets into the town of Meaford, and we couldn’t resist stopping to take some photos of them!

Mayor Francis Richardson told us that the season of fall is called “Scarecrow Invasion” in their town. Volunteers all over town make scarecrows all summer, and in the week prior to Thanksgiving they have a big festival.

Meaford Community School was our first stop in town where we had a quick outdoor ceremony.

The highlight was when all of the students got to run with the torch!

The Mayor joined in the run. “I used to run around this field when I went to this school as a kid,” he commented. “It’s a little more difficult now”, he added.

Once all of our events were finished ,we eagerly journeyed to Georgian Bay alongside Lake Huron. Only two members of our team (the Europeans) were brave enough to enter the chilly waters. Any desire that I had to go swimming completely disappeared when some of the freezing cold water splashed onto my face and was dried off by the crisp wind. “Brrrr….” The El Salvadorian contingent of our team would not even consider the possibility!

So, the cowards among us sat on some nearby rocks and relaxed. “ I knew I would be able to find you here!” called a voice from behind. It was the Mayor again! “I forgot to give you our town pins”. He had come all the way there from his house to give us the pins and to thank us again for coming.

By the time we left the bay, we had been thoroughly charmed by the town of Meaford and decided to stay a little longer to explore it. We ended up having dinner at a hopping little place called the ‘Leeky Canoe’ at the Mayor’s recommendation. Mmmm...

We then drove to the town of Owen Sound to retire for the night with the memories of all the wonderful people we met and the glorious sights we viewed during the day.

Now it’s time to start planning for tomorrow’s experiences…

- Caitlin Michael

– Medur Wilson

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Team Members:
Sevati Bondanza (El Salvador), Adarini Inke (Switzerland), Elke Lindner (Germany), Tanuja Konecna (Czech Republic), Medur Wilson (Canada), Salil Wilson (Australia), Amy Liberson (Canada), Abichal Neil Spencer (Wales), Caitlin Michael (Canada), Greg Hilton (Canada), Ben Leba (Canada), Michel Gill (Canada)

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

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