Today was a classic Peace Run day, when in addition to running, the team had to meet with schools. There were four of them on this day. Team C had to run only 20km today in the direction of Albany to the ceremony at Mt Many Peaks School.
Edgars lead us in to greet the children.
After our usual presentation: Introduction, country guessing game, the Peace Run song, a moment to feel peace in our hearts, the World Harmony Run song and finally a heart-felt thank you, the children held and passed the torch.
We always have gathering all the kids, runner and teachers for a group photo. Though sometimes, it can be like herding cats.
This boy was sharp as a tack when it came to guessing which countries we were from.
The children love the actions to the World Harmony Run song!
Many thanks to Principal Sarah for allowing us this wonderful visit.
The young lad with the torch knew how many kilometres it takes to run around the whole continent! He's six atmost.
Butternut squash anyone! (or everyone!)
Finally the kids get to run with the torch!
On the way to school, waiting for the runner on the side of the road, Edgars got out of the car and studied the schedule for the day. Suddenly, he noticed a beautiful, cute spider crawling up his stomach. While Edgars tried to pull his phone out of his pocket and take the best photo of the day, the spider had already reached his chest and was approaching his chin. Then the plan for a photo session with the spider had to be changed. A quick movement of the hand and the spider was on the ground. Yes, Edgar's heart rate had increased, but that's good, because it was already time for him to run with a torch.
Next came the ride to Parklands School in Albany. Before the ceremony at the school, we had time to see the natural beauties of Torndirrup National Park.
The Gap - it's iconic tourist destination where ocean and ancient rock collide. We could experience nature at its breathtaking best.
We also looked at the nearby Cable Beach from above. We wanted to swim, but we didn't. We watched the gift of nature with dignity.
And then we went to see the Blowholes, where we decided to test the resistance of the torch flame to strong winds.
From Torndirrup National Park we went to the meeting at
Parklands Primary School, where we were kindly welcomed by the school principal Joanna Thiel. The school had prepared a surprise for us. The children sang a touching Cat Stevens song "Peace Train" for us. Thank you very much!
After holding the torch and running, the children sat around the peace tree, which was planted 10 years ago during the Peace Run.
We left a new peace tree poster by the grown tree and sang the song "A new world of peace".
Today we had the opportunity to meet again a friend of the peace run - Woolworths, who treated the runners with prepared boxes of products. Thank you, tonight there will be a proper dinner! (Picture from Woolworth).
We ended the day at BIG4 Emu Beach Holiday Park.
Team B: After a week of sparse interactions, we were off and running again with 4 school visits today. Our 2nd school was Little Grove Primary.
We like to make an entrance by running into the school with our flaming torch.
About 200 kids greeted our runners.
The school got our video online and showed it when we arrived.
Scottish peace runner, Dhavala, doing a great job introducing us.
Country guessing game. Dhavala comes from a place with a monster named Nessie.
Pushpendra, a local friend joined us today.
Ooh ooh me, pick me. I know the answer!
This one is always the toughest to guess. It’s in Europe and begins with the letter C.
During our meditation on the heart. This was lunchtime and they actually stopped eating to feel the peace.
Run run run run, world harmony run!
Principal Emma and the teacher take some steps for peace.
Thank you Little Grove Primary!
Alli Lilly ( left ) helped organize this meeting.
Susan, spending a moment in their beautiful flower garden.
And we’re off!
Our 3rd school today was Spencer Primary.
Hanging out, waiting to make our grand entrance.
Russian peace runners Misha and Denis.
Another enthusiastic group of about 200.
Everyone still struggled with this country. It’s capital is Prague.
Principal Jeremy Hadlow welcoming us.
Lots of sharp country guessers in this group too.
These little ones had pretty impressive attention spans.
You feel the peace just looking at these two.
Time to do the actions to the World Harmony Run song.
The teachers got involved too.
The teachers are happy to take a short run for peace.
The principal thanked us for reinforcing the value of peace that they work to instill in the children. Thank you!
This happy torch holder did not want to let go and had to be prodded along.
Principal Jeremy Hadlow accepting our certificate of appreciation.
Thanks so much to Albany Holiday Park for hosting 2 of our runners, Atulya and Teekhnata. This married couple often spends the night in a 2 person tent, which more accurately, is for one large person. It felt luxurious to be able to spread out a bit! We are very grateful for your generosity!
