The eight runners jogged in to a welcoming ceremony chaired by Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore and attended by about 200 students from Maitland Public School. The school presented a piece of art created by five students in honour of the occasion, while the Maitland Public School Band played a series of impressive numbers and school captain Jemima Andrews spoke on the importance of understanding, co-operation, acceptance and respect.

Harmony Run ambassador and runner Veeraja Uppal said a total team of 12 runners would carry the World Harmony Torch around Australia on a 15,000 kilometre journey of hope.

“The day is a means to unite men and women and children of all cultures. We ask people to hold the torch and make a wish or prayer for a better world.”

“We hope we are getting people to stop and think and be united. We are all one family, the run is about kindling the feeling of oneness, and when that feeling becomes more conscious, the world will be a better place. “We will be visiting thousands and thousands of people around Australia. We think they are inspiring us, and hopefully we are inspiring them.”

The World Harmony Run Australia team includes runners from Iceland, Russia, Italy, Canada, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Romania, New Zealand and Germany, while the World Harmony Run will visit 100 countries this year. The run was founded by Sri Chinmoy in 1987. The torch travelled from Raymond Terrace yesterday and was headed towards Gosford last night. Maitland Public principal Ron Smith said his school was always glad to get involved in the community.

“Harmony is important on a world scale as well as in a school,” Mr Brown said. Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore and councillors Arch Humphrey, Peter Way and Wendy White attended the official reception and Cr Blackmore presented a certificate from Maitland to the World Harmony Run team. ”