FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CANADA WELCOMES & CELEBRATES
THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WORLD HARMONY RUN

The World Harmony Run, a global torch relay that for 25 years has been strengthening international friendship and understanding through the passing of a flaming torch from hand to hand, will be taking place across Canada this spring and summer 2012. Canadians will be joining people in over 100 nations in passing the symbolic Torch around the world.

The Canadian portion of this international event begins its 2012 relay odyssey on 20th April in the Pacific surfing paradise of Tofino. Then Canadian music legend, Ra McGuire and fine arts champion, Debbie McGuire who "inspire a little peace" - are to receive international peace award on April 25th in Vancouver. From there the Run will travel east across Canada with events taking place in small and large communities across the country. Along with bringing the Torch to Canadians from all walks of life, the World Harmony Run also makes a special effort to honour the unique harmony-loving qualities of each individual community by inviting their participation both creatively and athletically.

On a number of occasions, outstanding community members are presented with the World Harmony Run's Torch-Bearer Award in recognition of their local and international efforts to serve the world community. Past Canadian recipients of this award include former Speaker of the House of Commons the Hon. Peter Milliken; the Hon. Jean Augustine; Geoff Green, Arctic explorer and environmental educator; and Ray Zahib, ultra-distance runner and founder of impossible2Possible a youth oriented program.

The World Harmony Run has been endorsed by many civic officials and heads of state including Mother Teresa, President Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, President Gorbachev and Pope John Paul II; world-class athletes like Grete Waitz, Carl Lewis, Paula Radcliffe and Quebec strongman Hugo Girard; and celebrities Avril Lavigne and Roberta Flack. * Please see video message from Dr. David Hepburn UNESCO's President of the General Conference (2009 - 2011) at: www.worldharmonyrun.org/25

Founded in 1987 by visionary of peace, Sri Chinmoy, the World Harmony Run-now the world's longest running relay run-has blossomed into a remarkable grassroots, volunteer phenomenon that all ages can enjoy. There is no political motivation or fund-raising, only a sharing in the one-world family spirit.

Learn how to participate by visiting our website, www.worldharmonyrun.org . Enter "Canada" under the list of countries. Follow the amazing journey on "Live from the Road", and click on selected links to access additional information.