feb. 9, 2017 Live from the road

Dili

Reported by Salil Wilson 5.0 km

Our first school visit was Escola Bazica e Secundario Catolica Sao Jose Operario Balide-Dili.

The director gave us a very warm welcome.

The teachers even did a lap much to the delight of the students.

This trio sang a beautiful rendition of Michael Jackson's "We are the World."

Next we ran to Escola Secundario Geral Catolica Santa Madalena de Canossa.

The cheer leaders and marching band made sure we had an unforgettable welcome.

The head teacher was so heartfelt - all the students really loved her.

Otis and Nikolaus performed their skit demonstrating what is not harmony.

This young girl gave it her all in singing for us.

The cheer leaders and marching band.

Everyone received a card which has Sri Chimnoy's World Harmony painting on the front and a little about the Peace Run on the back and the words to the World Harmony Run song in their native language Tetum.

Our final school was 30 De Agosto.

Our kind and enthusiastic friend, Mara, participated in the skits.

Thank you Mara for all that you did and all that you are!!!

Our final event for the day was a 5 km run through the streets of Dili open to anyone who wanted to join.

The school band from Canossa was once again on hand to get us started on the right foot.

Our beloved leader Xanana Gusmão graciously joined with us.

President of the Parliament, Adérito Hugo da Costa joined with Xanana Gusmão to begin the 5 km run.

Xanana gave the torch to one of Timor's top marathon runners.

Both the President of the Parliament and Xanana did the entire 5 km run.

We estimated over 1000 people joined in.

Xanana was constantly inspiring people to join in the celebration.

The media truck - you can see Ashirvad in the top right capturing it all on video.

We finished at an outdoor stage near the Dili Gymnasium.

Dr. Agraha presented HE Xanana Gusmao with the Sri Chinmoy Peace Prize, an award previously presented to Reverend Desmond Tutu.

Xanana took great delight in meeting the team and hearing them announce their countries.

Marvi, loved by today's Timorese youngsters the most, came and enlivened the crowd.

One final photos with our team, Mara, the Secretary of State Youth and Sport, HE Leovigildo Hornai and his young family.

Thank you all for an unforgettable Peace Run.

We look forward to seeing you again very soon!!!

Torch carried by
Agraha Levine (United States), Ashirvad Zaiantchick (Brazil), Boijayanti Gómez-Badillo (Puerto Rico), Harashita Sunaoshi (Japan), Kanyaka Arini (Indonesia), Nikolaus Drekonja (United States), Otis Davis (United States), Salil Wilson (Australia), Shashanka Karlen (Switzerland), Shumbhani Juarez (Guatemala), Uddyogini Hall (Australia), Zuzana Rybková (Czech Republic).  
Photographers
Shumbhani Juarez
The torch has travelled 5.0 km in Dili.

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