JOHOR BARU: MORE than 500 local and foreign participants took part in the recent World Harmony Run 2012, in support of the international torch relay for peace.

    The foreign runners came from Singapore, Scotland, Japan, South Korea and Australia.

  The run  was held at SK Infant Jesus Convent Johor Baru.

  This year's World Harmony Run would also go through New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Russia within the next eight months in conjunction with the 25th year of the World Harmony Run.

  After Malaysia, the torch relay will proceed to Thailand.

  Delegation leader and Australian national, Prabucha Nicole, said the event was aimed at promoting friendship between people from across the globe, and to act as a symbol of peace for the world's citizens.

  "We want the younger generation, particularly children, to have a love for peace within. We want this practice to continue in every country that we visit because a simple friendship could lead to something meaningful on the world front."

  "Through this programme, the participants can learn about different cultures and share values among one another.

  "This torch relay is not about collecting profit, it is an approach to forge cooperation to promote friendship, cultural appreciation and peace," said Nicole.

  The Johor-leg of the event involved SK Infant Jesus Convent headmistress, Datin Azizah Ahamad Tan and its 10 teachers.

  The event began with a meet-and-greet ice-breaker between the participants.

  Later, the crowd sang the World Harmony Run theme song in Bahasa Malaysia and English.

  Azizah said she was proud of the effort made by the organisers from various countries to make the event a success.  She praised their dedication in promoting harmonious living among world citizens.

  "The students who are taking part in the Johor-leg of the event have shown much enthusiasm.

  "It is apparent they want to learn about other cultures and promote peace and harmony. They have given positive feedback on the event.

  "The participants comprise multi-racial students, which is proof of the mutual respect they have for one another," said Azizah.

  The World Harmony Run began in 1987 and is organised annually by an international network of volunteers

  It was founded by athlete, philosopher and poet Sri Chinmoy.  

  The coordinators in country partner with local schools, community groups, sporting organisations and state government departments to organise the event.