Congratulations to Sembawang Primary on March 15 for being the first school in Singapore to host the first World Harmony Run.

A big Thank You to Principal Mr Han

June 18 6:30am at MacRitchie Reservoir

First sign of blessings from Heaven came in the form of a beautiful rainbow in the midst of a thunder cloud. Can you see ?

Off they go, the forerunners of tomorrow's sun.

Singapore joined millions of citizens around the globe seeking to strengthen international friendship and understanding as some 70 people from the city gathered to share a moment of inspiration and dedicate a special running event for world harmony on 18 June 2005 at the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Gracing the inaugural event was Ms Eunice Olsen, Nominated Member of Parliament. Runners will run and pass a flaming harmony torch symbolising humanity's aspiration for harmony and goodwill in the world.

Henry, captain, of the core runners share the torch with Akira to begin the30km road course. One other special runner in the team was Sukaimi , he called himself the Lonely Runner. Sukaimi raised thousands of dollars for the t sunami victims by running 24 hours covering a distance of 150km under the blazing sun of tropical Singapore not too long ago, a heroic feat very few would undertake. This Muslim friend is quite a hero in his own way. Perhaps one day he will run the Sri Chinmoy's ultramarathon 3,100 mile race in New York. That will make him the first Singaporean in the world to do so.

At the close of the event, another elite group of runners, led by guest runner, a well known celebrated artist and an avid marathoner, Mr Akira Takahashi, took over the torch to begin running a road course of 30km.

Thank you also to Ven Kwang Shang of the Kong Meng Shan Temple for the participation.

Along the way, they visited various religious, sports, social and cultural communities. The runners were designated to stop at these places to share a moment of inspiration with these communities. Prayers and greetings for world harmony were offered by its leaders.

We extend our gratitude to Mr Pritpal Singh for providing the ambulance service. Paramedics Charlie and Saad are the ones in blue uniforms.

Representing the Christian community is the Salvation Army. It will very delightful for everyone to be able to share a moment of inspiration with them.

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. Mr Nalla, CEO of the Hindu Endowments Board was very kind to allow the runners to bring the Harmony Torch to be blessed by the Goddesses at this temple.

Chairman of Civil Service Club hosted a buffet lunch for the runners and helpers. Long Live Mr Chan for the kindness. Your generousity was beyond our imagination

Our runners were very touched by the warmth and oneness from the Sikh community at the Central Sikh Temple where many elders from all over the island came to greet us and recited some holy prayers for harmony in the world. Thank You all !!You were the most beautiful people that really made our day with your smiles and charms. We were all blessed by Sri Nanak.

The Harmony Torch arrived at the Masjid Darul Amman Mosque and we were warmly welcomed by the Imam Executive, Mr Ustan Jalaluddin Bin Hassan and the Muslim community leaders at the holy Mosque.

Minister of State for Education, Mr Chan was very delighted to receive the Harmony Torch at the Joo Chiat Community Club from the runners who had just completed some 20 km under the blazing heat. We had such warm reception at the club that day. Thanks go to Mr Casey Tang and his 2 wonderful assistants for the arrangements.

We were at the at the final stopover, Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple. Joining us were MP Mr Chan and the Joo Chiat CC community. From there the runners were to run the last 10km to the Merlion Park. They were so eager to go....

The final stretch at the Esplanade bridge. Henry could not stopping urging that it is the Anderson Bridge. How Singapore has changed so fast in the last few years. I should have bet with him then.

Boy, we finally made it. Hip, Hip, Horray!!!!!!

The final destination: the Merlion Park, a famous tourist landmark where a half-lion, half-fish statue symbolizing the lion city of Singapore is located. There, the runners celebrated the completion of a special journey dedicated to world harmony.

************************

We would like to thank the following people who generously supported this inspiring event :

Mr Bala of U2CAN Boxing Club for the marshal cyclist
Mr Ramus of Thomson Riders for the marshal cyclist
Mr Pritpal Singh, Saad and Charlie of Civil Ambulance services for the ambulance service
Mr Prabhu of Active Pest Control for truck
Mr Mohd Ariff SA Kader for supplying Newater drinks
Mr Jay Pillai for the emcee
Mr Casey Tang of Joo Chiat CC for the logistics
Mr Ranjit Singh of the Central Sikh Temple.
Mr S. Nallathamby and Mr S Hariharan of the Hindu Endowment Board.
Ms Angela Goh of the Kong Meng San Buddhist temple.
Ms Jenny Ong and Mr Gergory Lee of the Salvation Army
Mr Haniff of the Muslim Endowment Board
Mr Abu Basari of the Darul Amman Mosque
And my fantastic 5 volunteers: Henry, Alex, Donald, Chong and Edmund.

.