The team started off the day by visiting the beautiful statue of the Peace Run founder, Sri Chinmoy, in Rhode Island.
Olivia from Mexico hits the road again!
The men's team ran over a causeway situated on the border of Rhode Island and Connecticut, dedicated to Sri Chinmoy.
We finally reached Connecticut today! Arpan gets to run the torch into his home state with only two days away from New York.
We were thrilled that Paul Androskewicz was able to join us and run with us, as he has for many years now.
Cheerfully running for Peace in the challenging weather conditions.
Holding the torch is Bill Champagne from Connecticut- a long time friend of the Peace Run who helps to organize our events in Norwich.
We are so grateful to him for always helping to organize the Peace Run events in Norwich, Ct.
We arrive at the first ceremony of the day in Montessori Discovery School in Norwich!
The children from Montessori Discovery School running with the Peace Torch.
Arpan, originally from Connecticut, gets the children to guess his home city of New York.
Everyone performing the World Harmony Run song with big smiles!
The women's team making little skits for the children in which they had to judge whether the behaviour was peaceful or nonpeaceful...
The children approve!
Feeling deep in our hearts the Peace residing within.
The Headmistress of the school, Patrice Champagne, has been so kind to invite us here many times.
Tim Smith, a local runner who has been racing for over 4 decades, leads the children in a peace train run around the schoolyard.
Dear Montessori Discovery School, we appreciate and thank you!
The team then met with members of the Norwich Rotary Club's Celebrate Cultural Diversity Committee at Norwich Harbour.
The team gave a presentation about the Run and sang the Peace Run song.
Committee members introduced themselves and welcomed the team to Norwich.
A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to the Committee. Barry Shead, local Bank Manager and Committee member, accepted the Certificate.
Our Peace Run Torch Bearer award was presented to Marlene Owen for her work in founding the Celebrate Cultural Diversity Committee.
A group photo by the Gazebo. We were grateful for the refreshments that were provided.
Thank you Tim Smith for being such an inspiring supporter and friend of the Peace Run for so many years.
The team continued running towards Branford in extremely hot and humid conditions.
We were really happy to reach Branford near the end of the day.
Arpan meets up with his good friend Mike Katz, who also has been a good friend of Sri Chinmoy and was honored by him a number of times.
Mike Katz is a legendary body builder, teacher and fitness expert.
Mike now owns a very popular local restaurant called Marco Pizza.
We sang the Peace Run song while Winston Churchill, Mike's adored pet dog, sang along in his own way.
Mike was presented with the Peace Run Torch Bearer Award for his amazing achievements in the body building era of his life; his 35 year teaching career; his work with the Para-Olympics, and his fitness work with clients in his fitness centers in southern Connecticut.
Mike was so warm and welcoming as we introduced ourselves to him and he had something good to say about every country.
Jack Coutts, Co-Owner and Manager of Marco Restaurant, receives our Certificate of Appreciation with Mike for treating us to such a great meal.
Arpan was thrilled to honor his two friends and former Hamden residents, the town where Arpan also grew up.
Arpan was interviewed by the local ABC media, WTNH.
Mike kindly offered the team a free meal at Marco Pizzeria and Restaurant, voted number one Pizzeria in Branford.
Mike has always been supportive of the Peace Run and other activities inspired by Sri Chinmoy.
We really enjoyed the delicious pizzas, salads and pasta they so generously offered to us.
Arpan's cousin, Stephen DeAngelo, and his family came to offer their goodwill and support.
Surashri, a good friend from New York, came up to Connecticut to visit his family here where he and Arpan both grew up decades ago.
Surashri's nephew and family, holding the torch.
Mike and his wife Nancy share the torch with Surashri and his family.
