The Peace Run Team started our journey today at the Cesar A. Batalla School in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Sameepa Hass, our local coordinator, and Anna Batista, teacher of the Talented and Gifted Children at Batalla School, who helped to organize this event for us here, happily share the Peace Torch as they welcome the runners.
The hallway was lined with international flags which made our international team of runners feel right at home.
Bikashita Hass, our other local coordinator, leads the team into the large cafeteria/auditorium to the anxiously awaiting children and staff.
Assistant Principal, Dr. Byron Williams, offers our team a very warm welcome and introduction.
Our presentation to the school includes two songs about the Peace Run and Harmony Run composed by the Founder, Sri Chinmoy.
The World Harmony Run song is a fun song with lots of actions to the words that everyone seems to enjoy.
Moments of silence are very important as we reflect on peace within ourselves and in the world as well.
Fun skits demonstrate whether we are being peaceful or not.
Some of the children share their creativity on the theme of peace and friendship.
Teachers and staff accept our Certificate of Appreciation.
The children and staff get to hold the Peace Torch and make a wish for peace as they go outdoors. Each child receives our official, colorful Peace Run card as well.
Getting a chance to run with the Peace Torch is one of the favorite activities of the children.
A happy group of peace lovers at the Batalla School. We are very grateful to all the children and adults involved in this exciting event.
After such a nice event we are happy to get ready for another event in Bridgeport.
Our photographer, Vanaraja from Mongolia, finally gets into one photo as Anna Batista helps to see us off.
Our happy women's team is ready for another event as well.
Sameepa and Bikashita Hass lead our big team to the next school in Bridgeport.
Preparing the Torch for another event.
Some of the children help us carry the Peace Torch into the James J. Curiale School.
Sameepa introduces the Peace Run as we get ready to introduce each runner with a guessing game.
In his country there are lots of moose.
These member all come from the country where Lady Liberty welcomes everyone with a Torch.
Children love to participate in our songs and actions.
Third grade teacher Mrs. Catherine Di Menno gracefully accepts our gratitude in the form of a Certificate of Appreciation.
Each runner signs the Certificates with their name and city or country for the schools.
Passing the Peace Torch outside with the children and teachers.
After sharing the torch in a large circle of peace, Arpan starts the Peace Run train music and World Harmony Run song on the harmonica while the children run around the school yard on a mini Peace Run.
Bringing the Torch home to the Peace station.
Vajra reflects some of the sorrow we have in leaving such a great school. Needless to say we are grateful to all the children and teachers involved in this exciting event today.
After kindly hosting us to a generous feast at their home in a nearby town in Connecticut, Sameepa and Bikashita accept our humble surprise offering of gratitude for all their hard work and kindness to our team of Peace Runners.
Thank you for such a great day in Connecticut.
