World Harmony Run comes to Rotorua

ABIGAIL CASPARI | 17th September 2008

Rotorua Intermediate's Callum Flavell says everyone can make a difference in the world.

The 13-year-old carried a burning torch for two hours during the Rotorua stage of the World Harmony Run yesterday. He was among about 140 Rotorua and Mokoia Intermediate students taking part in the 80-nation relay which involves carrying an Olympic-style torch the length of the country.

In each centre the 18 core runners are joined by schools, mayors, running clubs, civic and political leaders and guest celebrities, promoting the message that people can make a difference just through their thoughts and actions.

Callum was one of 60 students who ran with the relay group from Rotorua's lakefront to the City Focus where another 80 students from the two schools performed a powhiri and community leaders spoke.

Callum said being part of the run was "really cool".

The Year 8 student, a leader in his classroom, which is fundraising for Nangoma Basic School in Zambia, said it was important for children to make a difference.

"When they get older they will be the next leaders. If you start early you can just get to carry on when you get older."

After yesterday's ceremony in Rotorua's the Harmony Run group headed for Taupo.