Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
World Harmony Run to enlist youth to fight hunger and poverty
Over one million people involved - running start at FAO
27 March 2008, Rome - The World Harmony Run, expected to involve over
one million people worldwide, took a running start from FAO
headquarters today at a ceremony at which Africa's first New York City
marathon winner and UNICEF Ambassador Tegla Loroupe and FAO Goodwill
Ambassador Gina Lollobrigida and other celebrities participated.
Founded two decades ago by the spiritual leader and peace activist Sri
Chinmoy to promote world peace, the World Harmony Run is now the
world's longest global relay. The run is a non-profit event organized
entirely by volunteers involving in particular children and students.
"For FAO, the twinning together of sports and development is a long
standing tradition. Our own international Run For Food Race marks the
World Food Day we celebrate every year. Last year, 10 000 people took
part in Cuba alone, while in Romethe 2008 Run for Food will take place
on 19 October 2008. Sports events such as this are an excellent way to
help raise awareness," said FAO Deputy Director-General James Butler.
Over a period of seven months, relay teams will carry the World
Harmony Run torch through 100 countries, covering over 24 000 km and
49 countries in Europe and also involving North Africa, Australia and
the United States "in a bid to demonstrate that the world is one
family for which peace and harmony are essential to its survival,"
said event organizer, Stefano Cenni.
After the opening at FAO where the torch was lit, runners proceeded to
Rome's Colosseum and the Campidoglio. From there runners will cover
100 to 150 km a day in teams of 10 to 12 volunteers, stopping at towns
throughout Europe to arrive at the final destination of Prague by 6
October. In parallel, similar events will take place in other regions
with the aim of involving as many people as possible in this global
event.
Two vehicles follow the teams of runners as they carry the torch from
town to town each day with each runner expected to cover 10 km or
more. An estimated 500 children are likely to assist each day with the
run through municipal groups, schools and athletic associations,
helping to provide food and lodging for the teams.
To find out more about the World Harmony Run and the progress of the
running teams visit "News from the road" at
www.worldharmonyrun.org
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Contact
Alison Small
Media Relations, FAO
alison.small@fao.org
(+39) 06 570 56292
(+39) 348 870 5221
Contact:
Alison Small
Media Relations, FAO
alison.small@fao.org
(+39) 06 570 56292
(+39) 348 870 5221
©FAO/Giulio Napolitano
The torch is lit at today's opening ceremony for the World Harmony Run
at FAO in Rome.
