"Peace begins with me" echoed throughout the Lynmore Primary School hall yesterday as an annual global peace run completed its Rotorua leg.
In its 32nd year, the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run teams stopped at two Rotorua schools as part of their journey to run the length of the country.
The philosophy of the group is to "bring peace and connect the world by foot".
Lynmore Primary School and Rotorua Intermediate were both treated to lessons on peace, games and lots of songs.
The team made the 8km run from the place they were staying to Lynmore Primary School.
The assembly began with a waiata sung by the children and teachers, welcoming the runners from nine countries across the globe.
The key symbol of the peace run was a flaming torch that has been touched by the likes of Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa and, to the pupils' excitement, Richie McCaw.
The torch is a symbol of peace that is taken to every destination the team goes, with the aim of getting as many people as possible to touch it.
Runner Preetidutta Thorpe said the torch symbolised their hopes and dreams for peace.
As the children took turns at touching or running with the flaming light for the Rotorua leg, the team made it clear that millions had touched it before and "spread their peace" within it.
Lynmore Primary School principal Lorraine Taylor said the school felt privileged to have the team spend time with the pupils.
"It really is such a great message they are spreading."
With 41 cultures represented at Lynmore school, Taylor said it is a wonderful way to represent connectivity and peace.
The team joined the Rotorua Intermediate rugby team in the afternoon for a 1km run into the school before their presentation.
The team made its way on foot to Taupō yesterday afternoon .
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