Thailand 14 February: Chiang Mai
A group of about 60 runners from around the globe were fortunate enough to carry the World Harmony Run Torch for about 5km to visit two different schools on a beautiful sunny day in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was a perfect day to share the inspiration for world harmony.
The runners were excitedly greeted by over 1000 students lining the driveway to Montfort College – a primary school here in Chiang Mai. The enthusiasm of the students was shared through myriad screams of delight and high fives all the way to the assembly.
The runners shared the message that world harmony begins in the heart of each individual and can be shared with something as simple as a smile (and the smiles were abound).
The children were fascinated by runners from more than two dozen countries. A few children were inspired to give a spontaneous little speech about the meaning and importance of world harmony. Their words were sincere and inspiring.
After singing the World Harmony Run song, the children then got to participate in a small relay around the assembly. The torch never fails to bring the delight of the children shining to the fore, regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity. It is always pure joy. (For them and for us.)
After sharing many good-byes and more high-fives we were on our way to the second school of the day.
Once again we were greeted by cheers of delight and the World Harmony Run song filling the air.
After passing the torch to several designated runners from the school, they in turn passed it to the Chancellor, Mr. Thonglor ThongChai. Mr. Thonglor welcomed the runners and expressed their gratitude and honor to be a part of this inspiring global movement.
After again sharing the message and the scope of the run to over 1200 students, we were then entertained by two dance performances. The first group of young girls could not have been more the five years old. They were so cute.
The second group of eight to eleven year olds offered a nicely choreographed dance that showed many hours of preparation and dedication. We were very grateful for both offerings.
Shortly after, the school band offered their rendition of the World Harmony Run song which they had obviously worked hard to learn in just two days. It is always a joy for us when the children perform or sing our theme song.
After all the presentations and thank yous had been shared the torch exited the school through a river of high-fives and friendly salutations.
We like to offer our gratitude to the General Manager of the Wachirawit Primary School, Ms Pensook Tantranont for her
support and her team of teachers and the Principal for putting up the joyous programme
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