Press Release 2012
KIWI KIDS TO JOIN GLOBAL PEACE RELAY
World Harmony Run New Zealand: March 5-16, 2012.
New Zealand schools countrywide to be part of worldwide torch relay for peace
On 5 March 2012 New Zealand will begin the 2012 Asia-Pacific World Harmony Run with an opening ceremony in Aotea Square in Auckland. The World Harmony Run is a multi-national transcontinental peace relay that will involve some 80 countries and tens of thousands of participants this year.
Political and civic leaders, sports personalities and some 40,000 New Zealand schoolchildren will participate in the event, which forms history's longest relay for world peace. The 1,500 km national run will see an Olympic style burning torch relayed the length of New Zealand , following the March 5th opening ceremony in Auckland's Aotea Square. Volunteers will then take the torch on to Australia and its continuing journey through Asia.
According to Davidson Hepburn, President of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), "the World Harmony Run demonstrates the concept of peace and harmony in a unique and practical way and reinforces the goals and objectives of UNESCO's mandate and the International Year."
Children in more than 140 nations have experienced the World Harmony Run's peace education program which teaches kids how to prevent conflict and build a more peaceful environment in their own community. In New Zealand, the World Harmony Run will continue this program through interactive classroom presentations.
"Children are the future leaders of humanity" says national co-ordinator Jogyata Dallas, "This event will help to give them the confidence and hope they need to create a world of understanding and tolerance".
The World Harmony Run was inaugurated in 1987 by Sri Chinmoy, who believed that a running relay dedicated to peace could have a positive effect on world affairs. In addition to numerous international celebrities, top New Zealand sportspeople such as Valerie Adams, Scott Dixon and the All Blacks have held the World Harmony torch to show their support for the event.
For more information please visit our web site:
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Download the 2012 Asia-Pacific World Harmony Run Brochure
Enquiries and Updates: Phone 09 629-1556 / 021 853 125