World Harmony Run to cruise through Sandpoint on Sunday

The World Harmony Run was inspired in 1987 by the late visionary Sri Chinmoy as a way of giving citizens a dynamic way to express their own hopes and dreams for a more harmonious and peaceful world. An athlete, philosopher, artist, musician and poet, Sri Chinmoy dedicated his life to advancing the ideals of world harmony. The Run travels the world to encourage goodwill at the local level. Simultaneous events occur in some 100 nations throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

Carl Lewis, spokesman for the Run, said, “By carrying the Torch, millions of citizens are taking a step for Harmony and bridging the cultural and social boundaries that separate nation from nation. By covering so many thousands of miles on foot, these courageous runners will encourage countless young people to transcend our differences and, instead, embrace our common aspiration for a better world.”

Everyone can participate: athletes and non-athletes, young and old alike. Everyone can carry the Torch a few steps or a few miles, or just come out and cheer the runners as they pass through Sandpoint — as they have since 1987 — stopping to join us on Sunday between 3 - 7 p.m. by the Gazebo in City Beach for a Community Pot Luck Picnic.

Mayor Gretchen Hellar will welcome the runners to Sandpoint, and Kyler Healey, Miss Teen Idaho, will greet the runners and speak to the audience about the Rachel’s Challenge program that promotes teen awareness through positive change to the Sandpoint school atmosphere. Music will be performed throughout the afternoon by Cairde (Celtic Duo); The Red Hawk Project (Poetry & Music); The North Idaho Orthodox Chorale (Choir); Jackie Henrion (Folk); and the Albeni Falls Pipe & Drum Band (Scottish Dancers & Music) There will be activities of all description for children and adults, including a yoga workshop, a meditation for peace, and an Open Mic. Be sure to bring your peace-themed music, poems and writing to share!

Please bring appropriate picnic-type food — as well as plates, cups, silverware and napkins — to share with the runners, friends and neighbors at the Community Pot Luck Picnic, and join the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force and Sandpoint Parks & Rec at City Beach for an afternoon of music, poetry, good food, good company, and peace and harmony!

Proudly co-hosted by the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force and Sandpoint Parks & Rec, the event is free and all are welcome.

For additional information, please contact Christine Holbert at 208.255.4410 or email “losthorsepress@mindspring.com.”