July 24, 2026 Live from the road

Chicago, IL - Portage, IN

Reported by Gints Peleckis 7.0 mi

Our first encounter with Jerry.

Jerry became very popular. And is our first welcome to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. Today the Peace Runners will visit with three Clubhouses. The first, the Hammond Club.

Denise gives the team an excellent tour of the Clubhouse.

"Peace is the quiet harmony that blossoms when conflict fades."

The young people are eager to join in the country guessing game.

Guess my country!

Yes, it's Germany!

Which city has this statue?

Hands up if You know the answer!

A moment of silence...

And finally, the Peace Run is honored to present the Torch Bearer Award to Mr. Chuck Kreisl. His contributions to the Hammond Club for so many years cannot be measured. He embodies a goodness and integrity that inspires and encourages all those he meets. His tireless work and self giving has changed the lives of countless youth. The Hammond Club is lucky to have him.

A big thank you to Marina Kirova, Sheria Givens, and Lashunda Adams! You are an excellent team!

"Give Peace a Chance".

Now its time to put the run into Peace Run.

The next visit of the day is with the John Will Anderson Clubhouse in Gary.

Deep insights from the Boys and Girls Club, Peace Run shares your 'positive' message.

Lots of cheers from a minion of supporters.

Sharing video about the Peace Run.

And to be experienced without, peace and enthusiasm are best friends!

Peace is something to be discovered within.

Once more, the Peace Run is proud to recognize a true Torch Bearer in Mr. Michael Gee for his unwavering service. Brianna Griffin, Gary Club Director does the honor of presenting the Torch Bearer Medal. Thank you Mr. Gee. You leave legacy of goodness.

The team was delighted to learn that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, came from Gary.

Many words for peace!

And last but not least, the team is welcomed at the Portage Club. the Torch Bearer award was presented to the mayor of Portage - Mr. Austin Bonta - who so eloquently introduced us to the history of the region.

Some wonderful singing from the local talents.

Who said that peace and rest cannot go together?!

Marina Kirova, Nicole Barry (Club Director), and  Sydnie Anderson (Program Director) at the Portage Boys and Girls club.

We finally meet! - the real Jerry!

Jerry Czarnecki (Vice President of Operations of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana).

Marina Kirova, Mike Jessen (President & CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs or Greater Northwest Indiana), and Portage Mayor Austin Bonta holding the torch together with the kids from Portage Boys and Girls Club.

In the care and protection of the Portage's finest.

Heading into Indiana Dunes National Park.

Gratitude to Peace Garden in Chicago for the wonderful dinner.

Torch carried by
Anita Ramljak (Croatia), Devendra Cheatham (United States), Gints Peleckis (Latvia), Goga Petrovcic (Croatia), Harita Davies (New Zealand), Local runners (United States), Mahiya Lindner (Germany), Mayankinee Landy (United States), Palash Bosgang (United States), Rachel Pina (Portugal), Roxana Magdici (Romania), Salil Wilson (Australia), Sukantika Donavan (United States), Tavishi Matthews (Australia), Vasudha Deming (United States), Virangini Afzal (United States).  
Photographers
Goga Petrovcic, Harita Davies, Virangini Afzal
The torch has travelled 7.0 mi from Chicago, IL to Portage, IN.

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