Our day began at Victoria Albert School, where our local Peace Run coordinator, Purnakama, teaches music and French. The team couldn't resist trying out all of the instruments in her classroom!
She has a wonderful rapport with her students!
We walked to Pinkham School to meet with the CSI summer program there.
Shishir, a longtime Peace Run team member and Winnipeg local, introduced the Deputy Premier of Manitoba, Uzoma Asagwara, who is also Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-term Care. They kindly attended the ceremony on behalf of Wab Kinew, the Premier of Manitoba.
Deputy Premier Asagwara addressed the crowd and asked everyone to make a promise...
"The message of peace is really important. All of you who are here today, all of you kids, are so important in terms of the message of peace that we bring to our communities. So, beyond the Peace Run today, can all of you make us a promise? Can you promise to keep that message of peace going every single day moving forward?"
"We promise!"
We thanked Deputy Premier Asagwara for being here and offered them an art plaque by Peace Run founder, Sri Chinmoy, entitled "World Harmony".
Oliveria always blends right in with the kids.
Preetidutta (New Zealand) asked the children for some synonyms for peace. A few words that came up were: "friendship", "love", "being quiet", "kindness", "happy", and even "recycling".
Purnakama is in her natural element, teaching everyone our songs.
Everyone joined in!
During every Peace Run ceremony we make sure to have a quiet moment to feel peace inside of ourselves, in our own heart. This is where it all starts.
Teamwork!
We called up all the teachers and camp counsellors and had them run a lap!
Purnakama led the way.
Harita (New Zealand) spontaneously made a sweet new friend.
Leslie accepted the certificate of appreciation on behalf of Victoria Albert Daycare.
Representing CSI summer camp was Talia.
Then it was time for the torch pass!
It was Nastya's seventh birthday today so we all sang her "Happy Birthday".
There was such a joyful atmosphere!
Pavaka, our team member from Montreal, was interviewed by CBC Television and Radio Canada in English and in French.
Norbert and Suzanne, Pavaka's parents, kindly joined us at our events today.
Time to run!
Hastakamala (Australia) and Oliveria (Mexico) are ready to spring into action! Photo credit: 8-year-old Vlad.
Watch out for these rising stars, they are sure to hit the top of the charts one day!
Nayaja, our Italian team member, is celebrating her birthday tomorrow! As long as coffee and running are involved, she will be satisfied.
The next ceremony was with Assiniboine Park Zoo Camp.
Shishir ramped up the proceedings...
Looking for Canada's capital, where Brahmata is from.
There is never a shortage of enthusiasm when we sing our songs!
Mahasatya (Poland) and Homagni (Australia) really commit to their characters during the skits!
We invite all who hold the torch to make a wish, hope or dream for peace.
Run, run, run!
Our team running with an iconic building, The Leaf, in the background.
The next stop was the "Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile" in Assiniboine Park. The plaque invites those that read it to join in the global peace initiative by dedicating their walk or run to peace.
Shishir gave verbal directions to our team members who usually rely quite heavily on GPS, do you think we can make it?
Hajar came all the way from Ottawa to be a part of today's events!
We made it to the 1-mile turn-around point!
Finishing the 2-miles!
The legend of Suzanne's famous homemade rhubarb pie was discussed among our team members for at least a week before we reached Winnipeg. We are happy to say that it definitely lived up to it's reputation!
Norbert sharpened our axe for us and then used a "cutting edge" technique to test it out.
We are so grateful to Rathy (centre) and Adrien (right) who provided our team with delicious food during our stay in Winnipeg.
