Singapore 6 Jan 2011: Harmony in The Lion City
Seeing Singapore as a Fun Run
Friends from around the globe recently came to Singapore for holidays. Many were here for the first time and they were very fascinated by our beautiful city state.
So what better ways to explore the island than to run from one attraction to another with the World Harmony Run torch.
After a morning 2 mile fun run near the River View hotel where they stayed, we embarked on a journey of harmony through the heart of the city.
Special locations for Year of Youth
The final 2 landmarks scheduled to be seen were of much interest to some of the visiting runners:
- a special Youth Sculpture "A World United" recently dedicated in 2010 and
- the Olympic Youth Park
They were totally enticed by the greenery and safe environment of downtown Singapore.
Many underpasses allowed the runners to stay close by the river
Without having to wait for traffic lights to cross the busy streets.
There were charming buildings and shops
River boats
This is a historical monument of the founder of Singapore: Sir Stamford Raffles
Sidewalk sculptures
Some more accomplished runners taking turns leading the group at a comfortable pace.
The Merlion was a favorite. The half fish, half lion monument is the iconic symbol of Singapore. Singapore means lion city, and since we are surrounded by water and many fishes, hence it was suggested that the lower part of lion took the form of a fish.
The star tree captured the imagination
A highlight was the newly dedicated Youth Sculpture
which is right by the Marina Bay City Gallery
The World United Plaque excerpts
"symbolising mutual respect of cultures shared through sport.....friendship...along with willingness to engage in the exchange of ideas and knowledge, ...
" and more importantly peace and harmony between nations"
These quotes resonate with the purpose of the Harmony Run; the UN and UNESCO Decade for a Culture of Peace; the 2010 year celebrating cultural sharing; and International Year of Youth with its theme of dialogue and mutual understanding.
Then it was time to find the the Olympic Youth Stadium across the bay.
By the end the spirit of youth seemed to have caught our young at heart older runners
There was a very playful mood as many other visitors and local residents and these two foreign workers from other Asian countries came to joyfully hold the torch
By encouraging young people to express their aspirations for harmony today, events like the World Harmony Run and these Youth focused Singapore landmarks are hoping to help build the foundation for a culture of peace tomorrow.
The 27 international runners (some pictured above) included visitors from Japan, Mongolia, Russia, USA, Australia, Bosnia, England, Canada, Ireland and Germany.
End Note: United Nations General Assembly Resolution proclaiming the International Year of Youth 2011, specifically mentioned "...the inaugural Youth Olympic Games, to be held in Singapore from 14 to 26 August 2010, the aim of which is to inspire young people around the world to embrace, embody and express the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect," - Excerpt from UN General Assembly A/RES/64/134 "Proclamation of 2010 as the International Year of Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding"
The World Harmony Run proudly supports the International Year of Youth (IYY) and the International Year of Forests (IYF) proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.
See the recent Youtube video on African experience which illustrates IYY slogan "Our Year Our Voice" International Year of Youth - Zambia World Harmony. They surprisingly mention Presidents and UN Secretary-General in a unique way!
See also the UNESCO World Heritage (WH) Centre support for IY of Forests. ... Convention for conservation of forest biodiversity. (more)
Listen to the World-Harmony-Run song: 2 min version // 6 min
See also: Music Scores; Arrangements; Song in Non-English Languages; Schools Arrangements and Performances
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