Stepping it up for Harmony!

12 April, New York City - The World Harmony Run got off to a running start today at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in New York City at a ceremony joining people from over 50 nations. The U.S. portion of the Run will begin its 10,000 mile journey in a few days when an international team of runners leaves New York and heads towards New Jersey and beyond.

United Nations diplomats, celebrities and community activists were all on hand to offer their goodwill and support. The NYC Housing Authority Youth Chorus sang under the direction of Larry Matthew and Sing for Hope Donor Artist Blythe Gaissert also performed.

The Torch-Bearer Award was presented to H.E. Mr. Anwarul Chowdhury, Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for his untiring service to humanity and to Mr. Jimmy Sherlock, entrepreneur and humanitarian for his relief efforts for Haiti, Mali and the Congo.

The World Harmony Run was founded in 1987 by world harmony leader Sri Chinmoy to promote international understanding and is the world's longest global relay. It is non-profit and organized entirely by volunteers who strive to encourage goodwill among peoples of all nations. Teams of runners will carry torches more than 45,000 miles throughout the year. The U.S. team will cover 100 miles a day, relay fashion, stopping in towns along the route. Thousands of children will participate when the Run visits their schools, day camps and athletic associations as they share their own hopes and dreams for a more harmonious world.
This year the World Harmony Run is honored to support the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures as designated by UNESCO and the United Nations. Dr. Davidson Hepburn, President of the 35th General Conference of UNESCO offered his support: "The World Harmony Run provides a chance for all participants to expand their awareness and to gain practical experience of other cultures."
The World Harmony Run arrives back in NYC on August 17. In parallel, Runs will take place throughout North and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia including a Run beginning in Japan, continuing through Korea, China and Mongolia finally culminating in Moscow, Russia.