Locals across the motu took part in the world’s largest peace torch relay this week. From the young to the elderly, many hit the road on foot and bike as a symbolic peace torch was handed through village to village.
Promoted by Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run who arrived in Niue for the first time this week, the Peace Run wrap ups the last leg in the Pacific region.
Founded in 1987 by Indian born Poet and Philosopher-Sri Chinmoy who spent his childhood and youth in India before moving to New York in 1964.
The global torch has been held by world leaders like Nelson Mandela and Public Figures like Mohammed Ali. Pope Francis lit the torch to begin the European Peace Run for this year.
Team Coordinator-Stacey Marsh shares more about the organization.
The five member team who volunteer their time and self fund their trips are spreading the message of Peace on the island, meeting with Niue Prime Minister-Dalton Tagelagi and his cabinet Ministers.
Youths from the various communities also took part in the run and held the torch. The Alofi South Women’s Group also had a chance to hold the torch.
The organization partners with local schools, community groups, sporting organizations, city and state government department.
Traveling all the way from Italy, Sandro Zincarini psaid the highlight for him is the people that he meets from the different countries.
The international Peace Run relay teams are made up of runners from all walks of life, who take time off from their jobs or studies to join the team.The teams have simultaneous relays taking place across the world.
The global torch has visited almost every country with over 150 nations and territories – touching the lives of millions of people and is headquartered in New York.
The team departs the island tomorrow.
