The runners from this international torch relay provided students there with an educational presentation promoting self-esteem and the oneness of humanity.

“We’re very fortunate to have had them here so that the students were able to actually see what peace means and what it carries out throughout the world,” P.S. 80Q Principal Maura McShane said. “The children really were excited to participate and to actually see what they do in regards to just spreading kindness and having peace throughout the world. They were able to see different areas of different places of the world through the people that were here this morning with the Peace Run. Just to see the interactions, and just for allowing them to see what they are doing to make the world a better place, was awesome.”

Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Torchbearer awards were also given out at the event to four students, as well as to two parents.

Four students received torchbearer awards. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Parents Machel Smickle (left) and Melissa Jackson (second from left) also received torchbearer awards. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

This year’s international team, comprised of people from eight different countries, will be embarking from New York City on a four-month journey across all 50 U.S. states on Thursday, April 16, in honor of the country’s 250th birthday.

Members of this year’s team each pointed out their home countries on this map. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

“We really try to get out there and encourage people to really know that even with small things, they make a big difference to the world, because the world is made up of individual people, and so if you can find peace and do kind things and good things and things in your community, then you really are contributing to making the world more peaceful,” Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run Director Harita Davies said. “It was really wonderful for us to see how enthusiastically the kids welcomed the Peace Run. They did artwork, they did some dance and they got up and talked to us. Then we did our little program that we always do, and then we finished off with all of the kids getting to hold the torch and run with the torch. We had a really wonderful, enthusiastic reception.”

Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run Director Harita Davies going over the route for this year. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Throughout this trek, the team will be meeting with schools, youth organizations and groups to provide local residents with a chance to share their own hopes and dreams for peace. P.S, 80Q was the first stop.

Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Since its inaugural run in 1987, the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run has seen over 7 million participants traverse more than 160 countries on six continents.

P.S. 80Q students and the Peace Run team ran together in the school’s gym. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

A symbol for humanity’s universal aspiration for a more peaceful world, the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run has earned commendations from many world figures throughout its history, including from Pope Francis, Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev, Mother Teresa, Olympians, state governors, city mayors and celebrities across the world.

This event was inspired by Indian Spiritual Leader Sri Chinmoy to give people a dynamic way to express their hopes and dreams for a more harmonious world.