Tegla Loroupe

On March 27, 2008 the opening ceremony of the European leg of the World Harmony Run took place at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations headquarters in Rome, Italy. The World Harmony Run began it’s 49 nation and 24000 km journey across Europe.

Tegla Laroupe who serves as “UN Ambassador for Sport,” shared a most heartfelt speech highlighting the importance of world harmony, especially for children. Tegla made sure that everyone of the children present could hold the torch.

The ceremony in “Piazza del Campidoglio” was joined with speeches by Mr. Marcone, Tegla Laroupe and Mr. Domenico Gargano, the director of the FAO athletic club and with the runners of the international team of the World Harmony Run founded by Sri Chinmoy.

Mr. Morcone lit a brazier in front of the City Hall formally starting the European Route of the World Harmony Run and carried the torch for the first steps passing it to Tegla.