First Annual Maasai Olympics - Part I

The 1st Annual Maasai Olympics for the Tsavo-Amboseli ecosystem were held on 22nd December 2012, at the Kimana Wildlife Sanctuary near Kimana.  The event was very successful, with exciting competition, a great crowd on hand to enjoy it, and a positive outcome for the entire Maasai community.  Events were contested among four different manyattas (warrior villages) - Kuku, Mbirikani, Olgulului, and Rombo.  Held to create a new, constructive way for young warriors to prove their manhood rather than threaten ecosystem health by killing lions, the Olympics sought to bring the Maasai together in a spirited display of competition and friendship.

The day was bright, the weather perfect, and the crowd enthusiastic and excited for the event.

Each manyatta held local competitions followed by regional events over the past several months to determine their team members for the ecosystem-wide event; each team could enter only a given number in each of the five events.  Sponsored jointly by the Maasailand Preservation Trust, the Amboseli Trust for Elephants, and the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, it was a memorable day and the start of a fantastic new annual tradition.

A warrior captured mid-thrown as he hurls the javelin, hoping to throw it farthest.

The day began with the heats of the 200-metre dash, then progressed to the javelin-throwing and rungu (club)-throwing events.  It was a beautiful day; the track facilities excellent, the spectators enthusiastic, and the competitors striking in their red, blue, yellow, and green uniforms combined with beautiful shukas, kangas, and beaded jewelry on athletes and spectators alike.  The javelin was thrown for distance and the rungu for accuracy; both were close contests, with the rungu coming down to a sudden-death throw-off.  For the first time in the day (though certainly not the last), the winning manyatta paraded around the grounds in celebration, holding their victorious team members aloft on their shoulders - it was quite the sight to see.

A warrior carefully lines up his throw of the traditional rungu club.

This is Part I of III in our series on the First Annual Maasai Olympics.  Parts II and III coming soon!  Check back in a couple days for Part II...