• World Harmony Run

    World's Largest Torch Relay
    World Harmony Run

  • 1,000,000 Participants

    Across 6 Continents
    1,000,000 Participants

  • Dreaming of a more harmonious world

    100 countries
    Dreaming of Harmony

  • Schools And Kids

    Make a Wish for Peace
    Schools And Kids

  • Sri Chinmoy: World Harmony Run Founder

    World Harmony Run Founder
    Sri Chinmoy

  • Carl Lewis: World Harmony Run Spokesman

    World Harmony Run Spokesman
    Carl Lewis

  • New York, USA

    New York
    USA

  • London, Great Britain

    London
    Great Britain

  • Shakhovskaya, Russia

    Shakhovskaya
    Russia

  • Around Australia

    15,000 kms, 100 days
    Around Australia

  • Around Ireland

    14 Days, 1500km
    Around Ireland

  • Wanaka, New Zealand

    Wanaka
    New Zealand

  • Arjang, Norway

    Arjang
    Norway

  • Rekjavik, Iceland

    Rekjavik
    Iceland

  • Beijing, China

    Beijing
    China

  • Prague, Czech Republic

    Prague
    Czech Republic

  • Belgrade, Serbia

    Belgrade
    Serbia

  • Lake Biwa, Japan

    Lake Biwa
    Japan

  • Kapsait, Ethiopia

    Kapsait
    Kenya

  • Pangkor Island, Malaysia

    Pangkor Island
    Malaysia

  • Bali, Indonesia

    Bali
    Indonesia

  • The All Blacks, New Zealand

    The All Blacks
    New Zealand

Singapore 6 Jan 2011: Harmony in The Lion City

Seeing Singapore as a Fun Run

Friends from around the globe recently came to Singapore for holidays. Many were here for the first time and they were very fascinated by our beautiful city state.

So what better ways to explore the island than to run from one attraction to another with the World Harmony Run torch.

After a morning 2 mile fun run near the River View hotel where they stayed, we embarked on a journey of harmony through the heart of the city.


Special locations for Year of Youth

The final 2 landmarks scheduled to be seen were of much interest to some of the visiting runners:

  • a special Youth Sculpture "A World United" recently dedicated in 2010 and
  • the Olympic Youth Park
These 2 locations seemed to complement the UN and UNESCO supported International Year of Youth and its theme of dialogue and mutual understanding, being celebrated through August of 2011. [See also End note below for mention of Singapore in UN resolution)

They were totally enticed by the greenery and safe environment of downtown Singapore.  

 

Many underpasses allowed the runners to stay close by the river

Without having to wait for traffic lights to cross the busy streets.

 

There were charming buildings and shops

River boats

This is a historical monument of the founder of Singapore: Sir Stamford Raffles 

Sidewalk sculptures

Some more accomplished runners taking turns leading the group at a comfortable pace.

The Merlion was a favorite. The half fish, half lion monument is the iconic symbol of Singapore. Singapore means lion city, and since we are surrounded by water and many fishes, hence it was suggested that the lower part of lion took the form of a fish.   

The star tree captured the imagination

A highlight was the newly dedicated Youth Sculpture

which is right by the Marina Bay City Gallery

 The World United Plaque excerpts

"symbolising mutual respect of cultures shared through sport.....friendship...along with willingness to engage in the exchange of ideas and knowledge, ...

" and more importantly peace and harmony between nations"

These quotes resonate with the purpose of the Harmony Run; the UN and UNESCO Decade for a Culture of Peace; the 2010 year celebrating cultural sharing; and International Year of Youth with its theme of dialogue and mutual understanding.

Then it was time to find the the Olympic Youth Stadium across the bay.

By the end the spirit of youth seemed to have caught our young at heart older runners

There was a very playful mood as many other visitors and local residents and these two foreign workers from other Asian countries came to joyfully hold the torch

By encouraging young people to express their aspirations for harmony today, events like the World Harmony Run and these Youth focused Singapore landmarks are hoping to help build the foundation for a culture of peace tomorrow. 

The 27 international runners (some pictured above) included visitors from Japan, Mongolia, Russia, USA, Australia, Bosnia, England, Canada, Ireland and Germany.   


End Note: United Nations General Assembly Resolution proclaiming the International Year of Youth 2011,  specifically mentioned "...the inaugural Youth Olympic Games, to be held in Singapore from 14 to 26 August 2010, the aim of which is to inspire young people around the world to embrace, embody and express the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect," - Excerpt from UN General Assembly A/RES/64/134 "Proclamation of 2010 as the International Year of Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding"



The World Harmony Run proudly supports the International Year of Youth (IYY) and the International Year of Forests (IYF) proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.

See the recent Youtube video on African experience which illustrates IYY slogan "Our Year Our Voice"  International Year of Youth - Zambia World Harmony. They surprisingly mention Presidents and UN Secretary-General in a unique way! 

See also the UNESCO World Heritage (WH) Centre support for IY of Forests.  ... Convention for conservation of forest biodiversity. (more)

Listen to the World-Harmony-Run song: 2 min version // 6 min 

See also:  Music Scores;  Arrangements;   Song in Non-English Languages;  Schools Arrangements and Performances

 



< Singapore 3 Jan 2011
Singapore 16 October >