We began to assemble at Holland House, Ministry of Information, Culture and Sport, Dar es Salaam, just before 8 o'clock that morning. Present were the Hon. Minister Muhammed Seif Khatib, MP, Mr. Henri Ramadhani, Director of Sports, and Mr. Frank Macha, Sports Development Officer and coordinator of the days event. The runners and joggers were made up of national athletes, Paralympics, basketball, netball, soccer, volleyball, national cycling team and other groups.

Manatita with members of the Masai tribe

At about 8 o'clock, the Hon. Minister lit the Harmony Run Torch, and after a brief pause for a photo shoot, the Tanzanian National Sports Day commenced with the World Harmony Runners leading the group of about 200 people. The Run was led by a police motorcycle escort, with two policemen running alongside. The Tanzanian Runners held a banner which said in Kiswahili: "Sports Parade" with the motto "Anything is possible".

The WHR torch leading the Sports Parade

They also ran with identical t-shirts which said: "Sports for Harmony and Development". Manatita and the Minister walked with the Torch for about 100 metres, after which the Minister left for the Mnazi Mmoja recreation ground via the Bibititi Rd.

The Bahai Contingent with their Peace dove.

The run was made alive and dynamic with Tanzanian clapping and chants, and the Police Brass Band at the entrance to Mnazi Mmoja. There we had a 20 minutes wait after which there was an impressive display of marching from various groups into the recreation ground of Mnazi Mmoja. Amongst us were Global Network of Religion for Children, Bahai’s, Makongo aerobics team, Roots and Shoots drama group, Tanzania Football Federation, National Football Federation, Tanzania National Cycle Team, Paralympics and other joggers and athletes. There were about 500 people in and around Mnazi Mmoja, many of which took their seats respectfully to the marching of the band.

Government official with the Harmony Run Torch.

Mr. Henry Ramadhani - Director of Sports at the Ministry of information, culture and sports with the WHR torch.

Manatita, Mr Frank Macha - Olympic Coach/MC and Sports Development Officer at the Ministry with The Pastor Polemo Massawe

Bijon and Manatita made their way to the main Podium where they were invited for a photo shoot with the officials and guests, sitting inside the Podium to the back of them. Present were the Hon. Muhammed Seif Khatib, MP, Hon. Daniel Nsanzugwako, MP, Alain Noudehou, United Nations Country Director, Mr. Henri Ramadhani, ambassadors from Nigeria, Congo, Ireland, Gambia, Kenya and Japan. Frank Macha was the Master of Ceremonies. Interfaith groups were Pastor Palemo Massawe representing Christianity, as well as Bahai’s, Muslims and Hindus.

Mr Alain Noudehou - Country director of the United Nations Development programme, The Hon. Minister Muhammed Seif Khatib MP, Hon. Daniel Nsanzugwako MP.

The ceremony included various performances: peace dances by Global network of Religion for Children, Peace game by Right to Play, Makongo aerobics Team, Roots and Shoots and others. World Harmony Runners Bijon Ray-Chaudhuri and Manatita Hutchinson were then invited to speak for ten minutes on the World Harmony Run.

Children from 'Roots and Shoots - Children for Peace'.

Immediately following this, the Torch was passed around to the two MP's, ambassadors and other distinguished guests, and the World Harmony Run Song was sung by the runners. The Torch was passed around the grounds to practically everyone present, and they seemed to receive it with great respect and delight.

Manatita introducing the World Harmony Run

Members of The Tanzanian National Cycling team.

Members of the Paralympic National Team with the WHR torch.

The ceremony was concluded with the speech of the Hon. Minister, during which he also thanked the World Harmony Run for their participation and invited them to come again. Manatita was invited by the Hon. Minister to walk around with him, while he paid his respects to the various exhibition stalls, aligning the perimeter of Mnazi Mmoja grounds.

Overall there were a great many Press which included Daily News, Standard and Sky T.V. The event was lively, joyful and talented, and the weather was good. Everyone seemed delighted with the outcome, and Bijon and Manatita were thrilled with the way that things went. Events being concluded at the Mnazi Mmoja, the World Harmony Run boys proceeded to the Aga Khan Academy and the Haven of Peace Academy to organize other events.

Manatita Hutchinson

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Tanzania 24 September >