Tegla Loroupe (accepting the award): I don’t know where to start, and I don’t know where to stop. I would like to thank Sri Chinmoy, the staff and every-body. I am so honoured. Running, as you said, is something that can unite human beings in this world. In the Bible it tells us you have to run and win the race of faith. Everybody who crosses the line is a champion. It doesn’t matter in what position you cross. We as Christians are peace-givers. God has given us the ability to do something.
Many years ago I saw a video of Mother Teresa and Sri Chinmoy. I came to know him when I came to the United Nations. And I can say today I am moved and I am honoured. For me, there are people who are my heroes, like Sri Chinmoy. The women who ran marathons, they were my heroes. I am so proud that we are lifting the world. It’s kind of a hidden message, but we have to open our minds. Sri Chinmoy is not only lifting us physically, but lifting our spirits, that God may give us more strength.
Tegla Loroupe speaks about the work of the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation “Peace Through Sports”.
So may God bless you, and thank you for honouring me. And I will promise that I will always try my best to reach the youth to make peace. And I hope one time, Sri Chinmoy, that you will come and join us in Kenya, in Africa.
(Presenting Sri Chinmoy a book): Now I have to offer you something from running. You offered me something on your side, and I have to offer you something. I just signed, “Tegla Loroupe, world record holder, 20,000 metres, 25,000 metres, 30,000 metres. May God give you all the power of peace to lift the world and make the people understand what peace and love mean. Never get tired. We will be there, as people, runners or marathoners. Peace.”
Following is a song composed by Sri Chinmoy in honour of Tegla Loroupe.From:Sri Chinmoy,Only One Reality Sri Chinmoy, Agni Press, 2025
Sourced from https://srichinmoylibrary.com/oor