Today was very active for us as had to cover 96 miles running with the Torch and also participating in two wonderful ceremonies in Virginia. The first one, in Richmond, was the Equine Extravanganza Horseshow at the Richmond International Raceway. We were enthusiastically greeted by Media Coordinator Diane Rey and President of the Extravaganza, Vicky O’Hara. They both worked extremely hard to get this incredible weekend event to happen and yet still took time out to accommodate us into their opening program.

We were escorted by beautifully groomed horses and by the Cavalry as well. They announced our arrival as we did a few laps around the indoor arena and presented us with very well designed Virginia shirts each embossed with a beautiful horse photograph.

Vicky was so moved by our runners and our goals that she almost wanted to join us as we make our way around the country spreading the message of harmony and oneness. With tears in her eyes, she said that if she had the opportunity ever to be wealthy, she would only use the money to do some good for the unfortunate people of the world. Her selfless attitude and her dedication to this wonderful horse Extravaganza that presented some of the rarest horses in the world will forever be ingrained in our hearts and in our memory. Thanks to people like Vicky and Diane and all their staff, we have even more reason to carry on with faith and hope.

A few hours later we found ourselves in the wonderful town of Petersburg at the Blandford Elementary School. We had a very warm reception by Mayor Annie Mickens, Police Chief Lee Crowell, Sheriff George Epps, Principal Barbra Patterson and City Council Woman Dama Rice, as well as other police officers and school staff. As we followed our wonderful guests inside the school auditorium, we were enthusiastically greeted by about one hundred children, teachers and some parents. The children of various age groups offered some brilliant performances incorporating song and dance moves. After their very talented performances, we were presented the Key to the City of Petersburg by the Mayor Annie Mickens who seemed to understand completely what we were doing and why. The school Principal, Barbra Patterson also embodied the spirit of harmony and oneness as she so eloquently spoke to the children about our event.

This particular school has been the only one out of ten local schools to be fully accredited by the State of Virginia of having met the federal standards under the ‘no child left behind’ program. With this high academic standard as well as with the heart’s wisdom and respect for all people, this Blandford Elementary School really offered us something invaluable and unforgettable as we make our way through Virginia and into the South.

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