Norway - the Run Has Begun!

And the run has started!

Past Runs in Norway have drawn distinguished Norwegians from all spheres of endeavor, some who ran with the Torch and some who offered their participation simply by posing with the Torch for photos.

Olympic heroes, renowned humanitarians, distinguished politicians at the local, regional and national level including past Prime Ministers have offered their best wishes to the children of Norway by holding the Torch or running with the relay.

May 19th was no different as dozens of luminaries gathered at the Eternal Peace Flame in Aker Brygge for a truly heart-warming ceremony.

No doubt the runners have been permanently transformed by the richness and depth of the Norwegian love of harmony.


Norway 16 May: Norway Run to begin this week!
The World Harmony Run will begin this week in Norway!
In this week of national festivities marked by the Norwegian holiday of May 17th, the World Harmony Run will begin its trek through the hinterland of the fjord-laden country of Norway.

The World Harmony Run will blaze into Oslo with dozens of children representing more than 30 nations. Beginning at a national landmark associated with Norway's storied sea-faring past, a team of runners will traverse the streets of Oslo holding aloft the Harmony Torch and wielding a dynamic message of harmony and world oneness. Indeed, in Oslo, an international beacon of peace, this message will resonate far and wide.

A spectacle befitting of Norway's powerful testament to world harmony will be staged in the center of Oslo and will involve a dazzling display of Norwegian cultural finery and pomp. Following this welcoming ceremony, the runners will proceed inland, crossing mighty glaciers and fjords en route to the northwestern shore before traveling south along the strikingly picturesque Norwegian coast.

Though stunning in its beauty, this leg of the Run will prove most challenging to the runners. Climbing steep precipes and negotiating routes difficult even for motor traffic, the runners will surely be tested physically. No doubt, however, the faces of the thousands of children on the route will lift their spirits and energize their legs to put in a few more miles for harmony.


Norway 17 May: Runners to enter Oslo

Runners from the WHR will enter Oslo tonight...
In anticipation of the World Harmony Run welcoming ceremony in Oslo, a new team of runners has been formed from the trans-Europe relay squad to add to the Scandinavian team assembled in Oslo.

The runners will enter Oslo this evening and take some much needed rest before beginning preparations to continue onward through Norway.

The Scandinanvian team members have been in Oslo since yesterday and have been taking in the festivities of the 17th of May, Norway's delightful National Day.

Bedecked in national costumes, thousands of Norwegians took to the streets this morning under a cloudless sky to enjoy the pomp of the holiday.

From the base of the Norwegian World Harmony Run at the Fragrance of the Heart Cafe at Fridtjof Nansens Plass 2 -directly across from the Radhus (Oslo's City Hall), one of the central congregating points - the runners enjoyed the parade of patriots and simple passers-by each resplendent in their traditional finery.

This small but well-equipped cafe also sumptuously fed the runners and will host several Run-related activities during the days to come.



Norway 19 May: Thrilling welcoming ceremony in Oslo!

A momentous welcoming ceremony was staged in Oslo...
A powerful and dynamic ceremony of children’s aspirations for world peace was held at Aker Brygge this morning.  One hundred children from over 30 nations, 10 Ambassadors and 10 Deputy Representatives as well as numerous Norwegian dignitaries were present to welcome the World Harmony Run to Oslo.

Nearly one hundred energetic children from the Oslo International School joined the runners from this global Olympic-style torch relay as it entered Aker Brygge by foot. Foreign dignitaries and national luminaries addressed them at the Eternal Peace Flame monument at the end of Aker Brygge.

“Of all the people killed in wars and conflicts since 1990, almost 50 percent are children,” said one dignitary.

She added, “Children are the ones suffering the most from war. That’s why we salute this initiative so much.  Work for peace is a very noble cause and involving children in this is very positive. No one can do everything but everyone can do something. I wish you, all the runners and all the children, all the luck in this Harmony Run.”

A high ranking politician sent the following message via proxy to the runners, “This Run transcends all manmade barriers of nationality, background and social status and spreads peace at the most important level – from individual to individual. Here in Oslo, we take pride in supporting activities which champion the ideals of peace and harmony.  The World Harmony Run spreads these ideals most powerfully and successfully to many corners of the globe and links millions of people in Sri Chinmoy’s vision of oneness and harmony.”

The team of runners in Norway left Oslo by foot after the ceremony en route to northwestern Norway.



Norway 20 May: Runners Meet Mayor of Bergen and Gustav Lorentzen

Mayor greets team at City Hall with UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Gustav Lorentzen...
Mayor Herman Friele of Bergen, Norway's second largest city, greeted the World Harmony Run team today outside City Hall.

Also welcoming the runners were UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and Grammy Award-winning musician Gustav Lorentzen and his wife Alis.

Capping off a week of international activities in Bergen, which hosted the Bologna-Bergen 2005 education conference of 40 Minsiters of Education from Europe, the World Harmony Run entered Bergen's town square with more than a dozen children in tow.

Mr. and Mrs. Lorentzen, who have dedicated their lives to the well-being of children, greeted the team with the Mayor on the steps of the City Hall.  Of Gustav's 5 solo CD's of music for children, four have won Grammy Awards as the Best Children's Album.  Gustav's wife, Alis, is equally dedicated, and together they form one of the most dynamic teams in Norway.

The children and the Mayor were treated to an a capella performance by the legendary musician, one that the runners will never forget.


Norway 20 May: Runners experience Norway's power

The runners witness the power and beauty of Norway
After leaving Bergen, the runners experienced the power and beauty of Norway on their trek around the fjords and up the steep mountain passes of Norway.

One of the members of the core team of runners, Friederike Makowka of Switzerland, said,  "four years ago I happened to participate in a similar relay-run in Norway from Trondheim, along the coast, to Oslo. I enjoyed the three weeks tremendously, so I wanted to come back.  The beauty of Norwegian nature reflected in the hearts of the inhabitants, has impressed me most deeply. "

The runners were transfixed by the glorious power of the Norwegian landscape.  Though the temperature dropped severely, the glow of the evening sunset showered everyone with a warmth that seemed to last long into the night.


Norway 22 May: Another day in paradise

Runners pass through mountains and fjords and offer inspired comments...
The Runners experienced today a side of Norway few tourists see.  Running past mountains and fjords, the runners came in touch with the purity majesty of the Norwegian landscape.

Inspired comments were plenty today as the runners reflected on the meaning of harmony and their experience on the Run.

Arnstein Martanda Sekse of Norway said, "I hope we can light a flame of harmony in the hearts of the many children and grown ups that participate along the route of the World Harmony Run around the world."

Ondrej Vesely, whose images of the Norwegian leg many have enjoyed at the gallery added, "For me this run is not only a journey to beautiful countries, but first of all an expedition to discover goodness and oneness of peoples hearts. As we meet many different cultures and nations it gives us a lot of inspiration and a feeling that the world is really one big family. We try to take this experience with us and share it with others. I believe this can help the world to make another step towards harmony."

Frank Foerster of Germany remarked, "For me the World Harmony Run is a great opportunity to learn more about other countries and to meet positive people from all over the world. When we carry the torch over long distances to different people, we connect them with a spirit of friendship and oneness."

Martin Leitner of Austria said, "I pretty much like the idea of carrying the torch from country to country, handing it over from people to people.
For me it always was and always will be a kind of adventure to cross a border.  With the World Harmony Run it becomes even a bigger adventure to run over a border holding the torch. As symbol of unity, to see people smile and to share their visions and ideas of a world living in harmony."

Franz Genser of Austria commented, "After running through France, Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, in March and April, I am now on the run again through Norway. I am very happy to be here because the people are very nice and the nature is most inspiring to me."

Norway 25 May

The Run departs Norway...
On the runners' last day in Norway they once more ran through Oslo, visiting areas not yet seen.

Reflecting on their week-long tour through Norway, team photographer Ondrej Vesely offered the following comments:

"Before we went on this journey, I tried to imagine Norway. Lush forest, deep fjords, glacier shaped mountains and nice people of "viking" descent . But it was all just an image.

"As we travelled step by step across this unique country, it left deeper and deeper impressions in our hearts. First we experienced the capital city of Oslo with it's special places and people.The opening ceremony at the Eternal Peace flame in Oslo harbour was an uplifting beginning. Not only the songs of the children's choir but also the heart-melting words of many brought tears to our eyes. This was just one of many nice moments on the run.

"We had a chance to meet foreign visitors as well as many good Norwegian people including children of all ages. Sharing peaceful moments of harmony and friendship with most of them was an inspiring experience. We got to know Norwegians also through our team member Martanda from Oslo.

"We've known him just few days, but it seems like we have been friends since childhood thanks to his big heart.

"Exploring the inner beauty of people's hearts went hand in hand with the outer beauty of Norway's Nature. Running here was truly an unforgettable experience. It's a land of a thousand waterfalls, silver lakes, mountains, steep fjords and deep forests.

"Because I love outdoor photography, I tried to capture these special places and moments on the run so everybody can enjoy it. Norway is a real paradise. I am very grateful that we had a first hand experience of it"

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