Peace Road 2021 #Dominican Republic

With the firm determination to contribute to the peaceful reunification of the two Koreas, and following the vision of the founders of YSP in establishing the international highway for communication by land of the whole world and thus build lasting peace, the Dominican Republic carried out the Peace Road 2021.

Participation was diverse and attracted people from all areas of society, including: two mayors of the neighboring communities, councilor, chief of firefighters, vice union of the people where the bullfight began, Chief of the National Police, the National Director of the Municipal Police Association, leader of the local firefighters, authorities of NGO groups, and community associations. Therefore, throughout the entire route, the Peace Road event was escorted by a fire truck, National Police, municipal police, and the security corps working for the two mayors – organized by former Mayor Mr. Francisco Peralta. The event was also decorated with the presence of the Regional Director of UPF, Dr. Charles Yang; Rev. Sang Suek Kim, Regional Director of an organization in Central America and the Caribbean; and Regional Director of the Caribbean, Mr. Leonidas Belliard; who spearheaded the activity.

Peace Road 2021 began its journey with a total of one hundred eighty-five kilometres in Santo Domingo to the farm with eighty kilometres travelled on the same day. Another parallel team ran from the Santiago Regional Center in Santo Domingo until the Harmony and Peace farm, with a ninety-five kilometre route.
On the next day, we had the eighty participating cyclists, who, after the opening ceremony, left full of enthusiasm to travel on the final leg of the route with a total of twenty-five kilometres. Participants were able to complete the journey in harmony and finish the last part of the route through “La Paz 2021.”

In the opening section, the Mayor, Mr. Eduardo Cruz, expressed his emotion, gratitude, and enthusiasm at being able to receive the honor of hosting the Peace Road in his town. In the same way, the Mayor of the neighboring town, Mr. Radamés Castro, said that running for peace is a new concept for him and that he was preparing to run all the way since the cause for peace is emotionally enriching. Castro further expressed that he enormously appreciated that the Peace Road route would pass by his town.
The Vice Mayor conveyed her motivation in being joined by distinguished personalities such as Dr. Charles Yang and Rev. Sang Suek Kim, as it was he who bought their plane tickets so they could come and join this activity.

For their part, Rev. Kim Sang Suek and Rev. Leonidas Belliard pronounced their gratitude to the authorities present.
At the same time, Rev. Kim presented the vision of the founders of YSP in establishing an international highway for peace that can connect all countries by land.

The director of the firefighters, who also invited ten cyclists from that organization, said that he felt very grateful to accompany Peace Road. He mentioned that this was one of the few occasions that the fire department went beyond their daily responsibilities of addressing fires, and contributed towards world peace.
To finish, they organized a medal ceremony for outstanding cyclists who completed the entire route with enthusiasm. Dr. Charles Yang, Rev. Sang Suek Kim, Rev. Leonidas Belliard, together with the two mayors, presented medals in appreciation of the effort made by each cyclist.
Medal recipients were very pleased and posed for photos with a heart full of hope, looking forward to participating in Peace Road next year.
IAYSP expresses thanks to all authorities that participated in the event and to the cyclists who dedicated their efforts to bringing their bicycles and cycling for peace.