OTTAWA — It’s not the Olympics but a group of torch-bearing runners will bring their own message of peace and brotherhood through Ottawa and Garnett today. Runners for the world harmony run will be running south along U.S. 59 and will run through Ottawa sometime between 10 and 10:30 this morning and Garnett about three to four hours later. The “World Harmony Run” torch relay will go through all 50 states on its four-month journey from New York City all the way round back to New York City, said runner Arpan D’Angelo. It’s also part of an international effort to encourage peace, understanding and harmony among peoples, he said. Those along the routes are often surprised but quickly give their support to the idea, he said. The World Harmony Run was inspired by Sri Chinmoy as a way to give citizens a way to express their own hopes and dreams for a more harmonious world, D’Angelo said. An athlete, philosopher, artist, musician and poet, Sri Chinmoy dedicated his life to advancing the ideals of world harmony and said, “If we have perseverance, then that is our first step towards world harmony.” Runners often make a point of visiting schools and talking to children, D’Angelo said. The runners offer educational presentations that promote self-esteem and friendship, he said. An estimated 50,000 children in over 1,000 cities and towns on the 10,000-mile U.S. route are expected to participate when World Harmony Runners visit schools and youth organizations. A map and information about the run is at www.worldharmonyrun.org.
Wednesday, May 16, 9 a.m.
