Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Minh, Chairman of the Fatherland Front of Quang Ninh offically welcomed us to beautiful Quang Ninh Province home of Ha Long Bay once of the "New 7 Wonders of the World" and designated as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Salil Wilson, Executive Director of the World Harmony Run shared some words about the Run and its founder Sri Chinmoy.

Nibbodhri Ward (Australia) shared Sri Chinmoy's reflections on Ho Chi Minh and the country of Vietnam, excerpted here: "Ho Chi Minh, I bow to you. You are the father of the nation, the liberator of the nation and the highest dreamer of the nation. Your mind's wisdom and your heart's compassion will forever shine through the heart of each and every Vietnamese. Viet Nam, we love you and adore you because you are a true believer, lover and promoter of world peace." Ms. Phan Thi Kanh Chi, staff member of VUFO, was translating.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Minh listening to Sri Chinmoy's message about Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam. Many of the guests later commented how moved they were by the message.

Mr. Viet Dung of QTC, a Quang Ninh TV station, served as emcee with Ms. Phan Thi Kanh Chi, staff member of VUFO, translating.

Performing the World Harmony Run song.

Beautiful smiles.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Minh, Chairman of the Fatherland Front of Quang Ninh and Mr. Vu Van Luong, General Secretary Quang Ninh VUFO light the torch.

Salil Wilson receives the lit torch from Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Minh.

All the dignitaries and invited guests joined us on stage for a photo with the torch, (left to right) Ms. Doan Thi Minh Hien, Chief of the Office VUFO, Salil Wilson, Executive Director World Harmony Run, Mr. Vu Van Luong, General Secretary Quang Ninh VUFO, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Minh, Chairman of the Fatherland Front of Quang Ninh, Mr. Nguyen Van Chieu, Director of Quang Ninh External Relations Department, Mr. Ha Quang Long, Director of Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Ms. Nguyen Thị Hoang Van, Secretary General of VUFO, Ms. Bui Lien Huong, VUFO staff member , Ms. Tran Thi Thu Hoai, Vice Chairperson of the Fatherland Front of Quang Ninh.

The very impressive backdrop for the launch of the Run in Quang Ninh.

Then we were off and running 4 km to Ho Co Tien Hall.

Motorcyclists with big red flags accompanied us the entire way.

Smiles were seen everywhere.

We ran right along beautiful Ha Long Bay.

We took turns to carry the torch.

Fortunately we didn't run too fast but you could tell these young people were full of enthusiasm and energy - it carried us along.

Residents encouraged us as we ran by.

There was even water stations on the route - talk about service.

Harashita (Japan) and Hemabha (Korea) enjoy a well earned break at one of the many water stations.

Beautiful blue banners adorned the light poles and were strung across the road to mark our way.

We made lots of new and delightful friends.

As always, we were very grateful to the police for their traffic control ensured we were safe.

Everyone was really happy to see the finishing point.

As we approached our destination, students from a nearby English School made sure we received an enthusiastic welcome.

Harashita (Japan) joined Mr. Nguyen Van Chieu, Director of Quang Ninh External Relations Department for the finish.

Mr. Nguyen Van Chieu, Director of Quang Ninh External Relations Department, carried the torch into Ho Co Tien Hall.

Urdhacheta gets the award for most cheerful cameraman of the day.

The welcome ceremony was very elaborate with a huge video screen as the back drop.

The ceremony began with some very talented singers and cultural dancers.

The next performance was a more modern dance interpretation.

We were honored to have the presence of some of Quang Ninh senior citizens in attendence.

One of Qunag Ninh's premier flautist performed.

These were some of the main organizers form left to right Ms. Doan Thi Minh Hien, Chief of the Office Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Minh, Chairman of the Fatherland Front of Quang Ninh, Mr. Nguyen Van Chieu, Director of External Relations, Department of Quang Ninh, Ms. Nguyen Thị Hoang Van, Secretary General of VUFO and Mr. Vu Van Luong, General Secretary Quang Ninh VUFO. We thank you for your incredible self-giving and hard work in making this event happen today.

After the performances we introduced ourselves and our countries.

We invited all those present to take a moment of silence to reflect on peace and harmony.

The students asked lots of interesting questions.

Here are some of the senior citizens who honored us by attending.

Many of the students who attended were learning English. If these young people are anything to go by then we feel that the future of Vietnam is very bright indeed.

After the official program we spent lots of time taking photos with one another and generally enjoying our newfound friends.

In the afternoon we visited the Quang Ninh Provincial Support Centre for Children in Special Circumstances. The Director Ms. Mai Thi Lan welcomed us and told us about the remarkable and important work the Support Centre is doing.

Ms. Dang Thi Thanh Thuy, Deputy Director of Quang Ninh Department of Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs informed us of the work Vietnam is doing with regard to children's rights - noting the Vietnam had recently signed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child.

The children had prepared delightful and talented performances.

Ms. Nguyen Thị Hoang Van, Secretary General of VUFO and Ms. Dang Thi Thanh Thuy enjoying the performances.

This young fellow is waiting to perform.

Not to be left out even the teachers had a performance to share with us. There was a beautiful family atmosphere at this centre and you could tell the staff gave their all to ensure the children had abundent love and happiness in their lives.

Abhisar (Czech Republic) had brought some paintings Czech children created for the children here at the Center.

The children showed their painting gifts from Czech Republic.

We asked the children, "Who likes playing games?" and then we played a game where the children have to guess our countries.

Here we are feeling peace and harmony in our hearts.

Everyone held the torch and made a wish for peace.

The teachers with the team.

To conclude Ms. Mai Thi Lan presented us with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Thank you so much for sharing your important work with us.

After a delicious meal we presented flowers to the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations staff who had played such a crucial role in making this event a reality.

Thank you Ms. Nguyen Thị Hoang Van, Secretary General of VUFO.

Thank you Ms. Bui Lien Huong.

Thank you Ms. Phan Thi Kanh Chi.

– Salil

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Distance: 4 km

Team Members:
Salil Wilson (Australia), Harashita Sunaoshi (Japan), Abhisar Laza (Czech Republic), Hemabha Jang (Korea), Urdhacheta Yap (Singapore), Uddyogini Hall (Australia), Nibbodhri Ward (Australia), Nickolaus Drekonja (Austria)

Gallery: See more images!

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