USA 10 April: International Launch in New York City
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Sing for Hope's official photographer's gallery...
Thomas Lee, Sing for Hope roster artist
Today we launched the 11th World Harmony Run in New York City by lighting the torch at the Statue of Liberty. One of the greatest track and field athletes of all time - Sudhahota Carl Lewis ran a lap around the base of Lady Liberty before bringing the torch to a small gathering at the feet of this symbol for freedom revered around the world.
Executive Director Salil Wilson welcomed everyone to the statue and invited noted author and Thomas Jefferson authority, Eric S. Petersen, to speak about the statue's significance and history as well as Sri Chinmoy's love and admiration for this internationally recognized icon. He finished with Sri Chinmoy's words:
"O Polestar Statue of Liberty!
Earth-heart's pinnacle-Divinity.
America's proudest Vision-pride-
Her Beauty's cosmos-fragrance-ride-
Freedom-smile-bestower is your Soul.
World-peace-hunger's
Nectar-flooded Goal."
After running about 4 miles from Battery Park to Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in mid-town Manhattan our runners arrived right on time to carry the torch into our main international ceremony.
Again with Carl Lewis in the lead representatives from 70 of the 100 participating nations made a grand entrance with their nations flags and torches.
Carl Lewis lit the beacon before a moment of silence for world harmony and then runners came on stage to announce their nations.
As part of a new initiative to recognize and celebrate individuals who have dedicated their lives to working for harmony and service to humanity we offered the World Harmony Run Torch-Bearer award to a number of our celebrated guests.
Shambhu Vineberg was delighted to offer the award to Carl Lewis. One of the striking things about Carl Lewis is his powerful physical presence. It is regal, inspiring and energizing - a truly remarkable individual.
Our next recipient was Billie Jean King a woman whose sincerity and goodness is immediately felt by all those who have the good fortune to come into contact with her. She was delighted to receive the Torch-Bearer award and said this was her first medal as when she was playing tennis it was not an Olympic sport. She referred to her meeting in 2006 with Sri Chinmoy and regretted they had known each other for too short a time.
New York based Philanthropist and Hip-Hop pioneer Russell Simmons who serves as Chairman of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding has focused his efforts on serving New York City youth was on hand to receive the torch bearer award and encourage the runners on their upcoming journey.
Sister Madonna Buder, 78 years old, ran with the team from Battery Park to Dag Hammarskjold Plaza. Since taking up running when she was 49 she has completed 34 Ironman Triathlons and plans to run with the team when they pass through her home town in Spokane WA. Sr. Madonna was the fourth Honorary Torch Bearer.
Finally we were delighted to have the presence of our dear sister Addwitiya Roberta Flack who graciously received the Final Torch Bearer award by performing a song from her latest album. Thank you Addwitiya.
Sing for Hope donor artists Soprano Catherine Watson (San Diego Opera), Trumpeter Kyle Resnik (Orchestra of St. Luke's) and Pianist Lydia Brown (The Metropolitan Opera) treated the audience to a beautiful rendition of the music of G.F. Handel.
The family school, located right across the road from our ceremony had hosted the runners a few days earlier. The children had prepared a delightful performance which captivated the entire group.
First Lady of New York Diana Taylor welcomed the runners and all those in attendance to this city which is home to over 190 nationalities and wished us well on our journey.
To finish the performers from Sing for Hope and the New York City Housing Authority Youth Chorus led us in a rousing arrangement of our World Harmony Run theme song composed by our founder Sri Chinmoy.
Sing for Hope's official photographer's gallery...
Thomas Lee, Sing for Hope roster artist
Today we launched the 11th World Harmony Run in New York City by lighting the torch at the Statue of Liberty. One of the greatest track and field athletes of all time - Sudhahota Carl Lewis ran a lap around the base of Lady Liberty before bringing the torch to a small gathering at the feet of this symbol for freedom revered around the world.
Executive Director Salil Wilson welcomed everyone to the statue and invited noted author and Thomas Jefferson authority, Eric S. Petersen, to speak about the statue's significance and history as well as Sri Chinmoy's love and admiration for this internationally recognized icon. He finished with Sri Chinmoy's words:
"O Polestar Statue of Liberty!
Earth-heart's pinnacle-Divinity.
America's proudest Vision-pride-
Her Beauty's cosmos-fragrance-ride-
Freedom-smile-bestower is your Soul.
World-peace-hunger's
Nectar-flooded Goal."
After running about 4 miles from Battery Park to Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in mid-town Manhattan our runners arrived right on time to carry the torch into our main international ceremony.
Again with Carl Lewis in the lead representatives from 70 of the 100 participating nations made a grand entrance with their nations flags and torches.
Carl Lewis lit the beacon before a moment of silence for world harmony and then runners came on stage to announce their nations.
As part of a new initiative to recognize and celebrate individuals who have dedicated their lives to working for harmony and service to humanity we offered the World Harmony Run Torch-Bearer award to a number of our celebrated guests.
Shambhu Vineberg was delighted to offer the award to Carl Lewis. One of the striking things about Carl Lewis is his powerful physical presence. It is regal, inspiring and energizing - a truly remarkable individual.
Our next recipient was Billie Jean King a woman whose sincerity and goodness is immediately felt by all those who have the good fortune to come into contact with her. She was delighted to receive the Torch-Bearer award and said this was her first medal as when she was playing tennis it was not an Olympic sport. She referred to her meeting in 2006 with Sri Chinmoy and regretted they had known each other for too short a time.
New York based Philanthropist and Hip-Hop pioneer Russell Simmons who serves as Chairman of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding has focused his efforts on serving New York City youth was on hand to receive the torch bearer award and encourage the runners on their upcoming journey.
Sister Madonna Buder, 78 years old, ran with the team from Battery Park to Dag Hammarskjold Plaza. Since taking up running when she was 49 she has completed 34 Ironman Triathlons and plans to run with the team when they pass through her home town in Spokane WA. Sr. Madonna was the fourth Honorary Torch Bearer.
Finally we were delighted to have the presence of our dear sister Addwitiya Roberta Flack who graciously received the Final Torch Bearer award by performing a song from her latest album. Thank you Addwitiya.
Sing for Hope donor artists Soprano Catherine Watson (San Diego Opera), Trumpeter Kyle Resnik (Orchestra of St. Luke's) and Pianist Lydia Brown (The Metropolitan Opera) treated the audience to a beautiful rendition of the music of G.F. Handel.
The family school, located right across the road from our ceremony had hosted the runners a few days earlier. The children had prepared a delightful performance which captivated the entire group.
First Lady of New York Diana Taylor welcomed the runners and all those in attendance to this city which is home to over 190 nationalities and wished us well on our journey.
To finish the performers from Sing for Hope and the New York City Housing Authority Youth Chorus led us in a rousing arrangement of our World Harmony Run theme song composed by our founder Sri Chinmoy.
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