Germany 22 May: Ter Apel - Wildeshausen
Arriving from Holland, the torch reached North Germany on a sun-flooded day, a little north of Meppen; within the hour, we were greeted by the beaming smiles of the children and teachers of the primary school Oberlangen-Niederlangen.
Enthusiastic games to learn about harmony and team spirit were orchestrated with the children ...
It was clear to all of us, how lucky children are who grow up in the countryside rather than in one of the big cities - an uncomplicated joy and naturalness and spontaneity emanates from them - no need to be cool...(as only then ARE you really cool!).
On an amusing note - the whole team had to sign autographs for the children and some lucky kids got the complete collection of 15 signatures (all the members that ran that day)!
Another unique feature was the North German World Harmony Music Group, which performed the signature song of the WHR at this as well as at all other receptions today, adding even more atmosphere to the events.
Around noon we had an impromptu welcome in the school court of the Bernhardschule in Sögel, a little deeper into the country.
We improvised a short meeting in the schoolyard, with lots of enthusiastic kids!
In Werlte we were welcomed by Mr. Hermann Nortmann, 4 times gold, 2 times silver and 2 times bronze medal winner at Para-Olympic Games, 3 times world champion and 3 times European champion in various track and field disciplines as well as archery; he was also recognised as the most outstanding sportsperson of his county, Niedersachsen, in 2005. Mr. Nortmann carried the harmony torch through his home town in a specially constructed sports wheelchair.
Our music team!..
Distance: 121 km
Team Members:
Dipavajan Renner (Austria), David Mouton (France), Namitabha Arsic (Serbia), Darya Soboleva (Russia), Ksenia Soboleva (Russia), James Doran (New Zealand)
Harmonemail:
You can send a message to the runners or read the messages.
Gallery: See more images!
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