May 3, 2007, Lethbridge
WORLD HARMONY RUN STOPS IN CITY
By Tim Denoudsten

With its flame flickering brightly, the torch is passed gingerly from hand to hand around the large circle gathered outside Lethbridge¹ Lakeview Elementary School. Approximately 100 students, staff and dignitaries took part in the Wednesday morning ceremony, which marked just one of many stops along the World Harmony Run route for the torch. This blazing two-foot-long symbol of global unity has been carried around the world by thousands of runners, starting on March 7 in Lisbon, Portugal. The Canadian leg of its journey began in Victoria, B.C., on April 22 and will finish on June 12 in Wolfville, N.S.

Indian athlete and humanitarian Sri Chinmoy launched the run in 1987 in the hope that every individual each day (would) have a new dream of world harmony. Today, run participants continue to share his vision. We don’t seek to promote any other cause, said torchbearer Sarah Newton. It’s very refreshing in my mind just to be a part of something that goes around the world just to inspire goodwill. Newton has wanted to take part in events such as this since she was a child in school and visitors would regularly come to offer the students some words of inspiration. That really resonated with me over the years, she said. I’m happy to join the team and get involved with the World Harmony Run because I believe in the message. It’s a real honour for me every year to take some time off work and volunteer. Teammate Caitlin Michael is also glad to be involved. It’s a neat opportunity to connect with so many people (and spread) the message of the run, she said.

University of Lethbridge president Bill Cade stressed the importance of getting children involved in the initiative. The whole idea of building world harmony around physical fitness is a good thing, he said. The team¹ next destination was Medicine Hat, followed by Swift Current, Sask., where they were to spend the night preparing for another day of carrying the torch. To learn more about the World Harmony Run and the Canadian portion of this global marathon, visit worldharmonyrun.org/canada. copyright Lethbridge Herald