Harper Greets World Harmony Runners at Parliament
Fri., September 22, 2006. 11:50.
300-mile run aims to strengthen international friendships
The World Harmony Run – a global torch relay – arrives in Edinburgh on Monday 25th September after a 300-mile run through England. Supported by several top athletes including Paul Tergat (Kenya), current Marathon World Record Holder, and Carl Lewis, the Run aims to highlight the need for greater international harmony and understanding.
Mr Harper said, "As a keen runner myself, and as a member of the Parliament's Cross Party Group on International Development, it will be a great honour to carry the touch briefly and welcome these participants to the Parliament. With schools and community groups in so many different countries being involved, the Run truly does link people together. The need for greater understanding across political, social and cultural borders has perhaps never been so great as it is today."
The European segment of the relay started in Lisbon, Portugal on 2nd March, and culminates in London on 10th October. Passing a flaming torch from hand to hand, the runners hope to touch the lives of millions of people along the route. Anyone can take part: athletes and non-athletes, young and old alike. Participants can carry the torch a few steps, a few blocks or a few miles.
During their time on the road, the runners will stop off at schools, working with teachers and pupils across the country to share the ideals of world harmony in school curricula. They will also meet community groups and leaders to recognise their activities promoting goodwill at the grassroots level. The Run does not seek to raise money or promote any political cause; its aim is to strengthen international friendship.
“The trials on the road to world harmony are no greater than the courage of those who accept the challenge,” said nine-time Olympic gold medallist Carl Lewis, who is a spokesman for the Run. “By carrying the torch people will be bridging the cultural and social barriers, and all the boundaries that separate nation from nation.”
In Europe the torch is being carried through more than 48 countries, covering a distance of 27,000 km. Globally, the Run will involve over 100 nations in six different continents. The run in Scotland goes on a route through the Borders, Edinburgh and Glasgow, then across to Northern Ireland.
The World Harmony Run is founded by Indian philosopher and athlete Sri Chonmoy and is organised by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, the largest ultra-distance running organisation in the world.
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.