This morning bright and early the Peace Run began...
...at the village of Hakupu in the south of Niue.
Here the Peace Torch started its journey through Niue just as the sun was rising.
The Peace Torch was run into each village en route and here at Vaiea the team was met by members of the community.
They came out to hold the torch.
Pass it from person to person.
A warm welcome was felt from all in Vaiea.
The next village Avatele came out in strength!
With runners joining the Peace Run from the village border.
Passing from person to person along the road in true relay style.
The crowd of runners grew and grew.
Our lead car, with Sandro in the tray in heaven getting some amazing running shots.
With everyone in the villages embracing the Peace Run and torch.
Tamakautoga Village came out in force too!
And soon we had two villages running the Peace Torch through Niue.
With a parade of vehicles in support.
Niue Blue was out to support the relay as it came past and all held the torch on their bikes.
Even the school bus stopped to hold the torch.
Some runners were barefoot.
Thank you to our Avatele/ Tamakautoga running team, you all put in some big kms today!
A big thanks to our two coordinators from the villages who got so many people together to come and run with the Peace Torch.
At Alofi South many of the people came out from the government offices and businesses and lined up to hold the torch.
And pass along to the next colleague.
The Peace Torch was then taken for a brief stop to the early childhood centre where the students were intrigued by the torch.
And made their wish for peace.
Next along the road was the Police Station.
Then we continued...
...to the New Zealand and Australian High Commission.
We were met with enthusiastic participation, with staff and visitors not only passing the torch but kicking off their shoes to run around the grounds.
With lots of joy and happiness with each step.
Even the hard working groundsman came out to run with the torch.
Thank you for your warm welcome.
The final and most special stop of the day was to present the Peace Torch to the Prime Minister Hon Dalton Tagelagi and all members of Government present.
Hon Billy Graham Talagi, Speaker
Hon Sonya Manogitaumaife Talagi
Hon Esa Mona Ainu'u
Hon Crossley Tatui
Hon O'Love Jacobsen
Florence Maureen Vilitama Melekitama
Ian Hipa and Logopati Seumanu
Tutuli Heka and Emani Haile Selessie Fakaotimanava-Lui
Kahealani S Sinahemana Hekau
Rhonda Tiakia Tomailuga
His Excellency Mark Gibb
Talaitirtama Talaiti
Ritchie Mautama
Tofua Puletama
Mellisa Douglas
Her Excellency Katy Stuart took some time out of her busy schedule to run with us.
Later in the day the Peace Run was welcomed by the Niue Council of Women.
Each member introduced themselves by name and village.
They welcomed us with song.
And concluded with another song.
The lovely enthusiastic local shop owners coming together to hold the Peace Torch.
With a little time left with daylight the Peace Run team went out to explore another piece of beauty in Niue.
This time a cave that lead out into the ocean.
A perfect end to yet another amazing day in Niue.
