We started our day at the Oxford Learning Center in Cambridge. We met up with a small but energetic group of young students.
They were very attentive and had a lot of questions for the team.
The spirit of friendship was strong at this ceremony.
The way that the students interacted with one another was exemplary. Peace in action!
Hugs...
...and smiles!
The torch was passed around to all.
Then we had a short relay run.
Everyone had a turn to run with the torch.
Corrina and Augustin were the event coordinators for the Cambridge region.
They were very happy to join us for the ceremony.
Mahasatya finds a little piece of Poland in Ontario, Canada.
At the Cambridge City Hall we greeted Councillor Donna Reid with a boquet of flowers. She was surprised and excited that they happened to match her outfit.
We thank Councillor Reid for her service and her encouragement. She spoke about how every single person can make a difference in our world, quoting Margret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
We were invited to see the inside of the very nice Cambridge City Halll, complete with a "living wall" of exotic plants.
Anna was the first to start carrying the torch toward Toronto.
Amburoha continued with determination.
Ujvala triumphantly completes her last kilometer!
Brahmata enjoys running the small country roads.
Sometimes blowing out the torch is a team effort!
Ukraine (Jaival) and Russia (Igor) run together!
We always meet interesting characters on the road.
Dennis runs in his trademark flip-flop runners.
Yatkara takes the torch to the next town.
Arpan continues taking it all in stride.
Meanwhile at the St.Alban's Boys and Girls Club of Toronto...
They prepare for the team's arrival by making peace-themed arts and crafts, composing peace cheers and marking where they all came from on the world map.
Then... the runners arrive!!!
Everyone joins them in a jog around the block...or in some cases, a sprint!
We meet inside the gym to talk about the message of the Peace Run...
...and answer lots of questions!
We watched the Peace Run DVD together, we heard audible gasps and "wow!"s when they saw some of the celebrities and dignitaries that had held the torch. Nelson Mandela, Carl Lewis and Muhammad Ali seemed to evoke the most enthusiasm.
Shivaram, originally from India, teaches the children the greeting "namaste".
Of course, no ceremony is complete without the World Harmony Run song and "dance moves".
We all take a moment to feel peace inside of our hearts so that we can offer peace to the world around us.
Michelle, Arts Manager, accepts the Certificate of Appreciation along with Risa, Children's Manager.
A group photo with all of the staff and wonderful volunteers.
Risa leads the staff in a run around the circle as everyone cheers.
Karpanee, a local Peace Runner, holds the torch.
This group made a peace rap song that they performed for us!
Dennis made a new friend, she even let him hold her handmade peace torch.
After the ceremony, our very hungry team went to the amazingly beautiful Annapurna Restaurant- Toronto's first vegetarian restaurant!
Feeding 13 runners keeps a kitchen busy!
Luckily, expert chef Devavira was on the case. She has a reputation for being one of the best cooks in the world! (40 years of experience doesn't hurt)
Anvita spoiled us with delicious drinks and decadent desserts!
Mandeep, a Toronto local, catches up with his buddy Yatkara.
The service was fast and the food was incredible!
Thank you so much to Annapurna owners Shivaram and Devavira for offering such healthy and tasty food to our team. And thank you to all of the staff and helpers for taking such great care of us. We will definitely be back!
