A local runner joins the run up the steep hills to Aserri Park.

The torch arrives at Aserri Park.

The county of Aserri (“Condado de Aserri”) is not far away from San Jose. It is an old and quaint neighborhood full of charming and humble people. Our friend Carlos Solano was waiting for us in the morning on the occasion of another anniversary of the ‘Anexion de Guanacaste’, a national celebration of the day that Nicaragua ceded a portion of its land to Costa Rica because its inhabitants wanted to be a part of Costa Rica.

Carlos Solano, a local volunteer, introduced the Harmony runners and their goals and thanked us for coming back again to his community where so many children and teenagers could enjoy the passing of the torch.

There were public celebrations in many towns and school children wore colorful clothes to participate in their traditional dances and plays. The ‘Liceo de Aserri’ (‘Aserri High School’) and ‘Manuel Hidalgo Primary School’ attended the ceremony with over 400 children.

Traditional dances and plays were performed in Aserri.

The torch is held by school children in Aserri

The National Anthem was sung and Carlos introduced the Harmony runners and their goals. He thanked us especially for coming back again to his community where so many children and teenagers could enjoy the passing of the torch.

Carlos and his father usually do selfless service in a public school called “De Lourdes” where about 100 children from poor families have lunch every day. The Principal, teachers, and family members were happy to welcome the Harmony runners at their school. It was a joy to see the children’s faces and how much they enjoyed the event.

Suchana explains the Harmony Run to the children of De Lourdes public school in Aserri.

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