The 2014 Maasai Olympics: Competing for Change

The 2014 Maasai Olympics took place in mid-December, hosted at Kimana Sanctuary in Kajaido, Kenya. Organized and sanctioned by Big Life Foundation, the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, worked together with  a number of other supporters, sponsors, and and contributors in collaboration to bring together warriors of Kuku, Rombo, Mbirikani, and Olgulului Group Ranches to compete in six different events; rungu throwing, spear throwing, high jump, 200 m sprint, 800 m sprint, and 5 kilometre run.

A moran competes in the high jump competition

The sole purpose of the Maasai Olympics is not only to provide the current warrior age set with a platform to compete with their peers, but more importantly, to emphasize an alternative to the traditional practice of proving manhood - lion killing. This platform was provided to the warriors to utilize traditional skills to "hunt for medals, not for lions".

Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals

The first competition in 2012 was deemed a huge success, and 2014 was certainly an exciting competition!

Participants of the 5000m competition

The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust sponsored the 1st position of the 5000m and 800m to participate in the New York Marathon. The 5000m was a very tense competition... as Kuku was for a large part of the race in the 1st, 3rd, and 4th position. In the last 300m a moran from Mbirikani who was in the 2nd position overtook the Kuku runner and ended up winning the race!

Samson handing over cheque to the winning moran to participate in the 2015 New York Marathon

Overall score of the Olympics: 1st position Mbirikani Manyatta with 16.5 points; 2nd position Olgulului Manyatta with 7.5 points; 3rd position was Kuku Manyatta with 7 points (very close call between 2nd and 3rd position) and in the 4th position was Rombo Manyatta with 5 points total.

Kuku was proudly in the 1st position for Javelin (spear) throwing!

It was an excellent day filled with an extraordinary display of skill, competition, cooperation, and commitment to conservation. To learn more about this tremendous event, you can visit the official Maasai Olympics website here

MWCT Ranger with David Rudisha - Kenyan Gold Medalist

The Scoreboard

Maasai in 2013 New York Marathon

In December 2012, MWCT held the inaugural Maasai Olympics where our friends at AECOM provided the winner of the 5000 meter race with an all-expenses paid trip to New York City to run the New York Marathon. The winer was Jacob Lamaron, from a small village in Rombo, near Kuku Group Ranch. Having never been out of Kenya before, Jacob was demonstrated excitement to run for MWCT in this special way.

Competitors in last years' Maasai Olympics

In 2009, the New York Marathon was a monumental occasion for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, and three other Maasai warriors. Edward Norton, President of the US Board for MWCT, hosted three local Maasai, along with Luca Belpietro, in New York. The purpose of this adventure was to raise funds for the Trust through Edward Norton’s established website CrowdRise. The fundraising efforts were extraordinarily successful, raising over $1 million for MWCT. You can read more about the marathon of 2009 right here.

Due to it’s success in 2009, MWCT wanted to keep it’s presence in the marathon by continuing to send local Maasai to have the chance to run in the marathon that contributed to so much success for this community. Although Jacob was chosen to run in the marathon many months ago, it was by no means an easy journey to get him to New York for November 3.

Jacob - 2013 Maasai marathon competitor

Jacob is from a very small village and grew up in the Maasai community his whole life. He would first need a birth certificate, a passport, and a visa, a treacherous journey of its own. After months of working, and thanks to the tireless work of MWCT's team, including our friend, former US Ambassador to Kenya, Mark Bellamy who was able to help by speeding up the Visa process, and on Thursday Oct 31st, Jacob had his visa and boarded his first-ever plane and landed in NYC at 5 pm on Friday November 1st!

By keeping many of the other details out, it was a very long process that involved contact with many connections, in Kenya and in the United States. However, it is evident in a situation like this, that true kindness and generosity can be seen through the works of many people to create an everlasting memory for one man.

Absorbing the sights of New York and riding the subway

In only two hours after landing, Jacob met US MWCT Board President, Edward Norton and the entire MWCT Marathon team at out pre-race event at Modo Yoga in Manhattan. The next day was full of new experiences: a bagel breakfast, Times Square, first subway ride, and at last, ending with a large spaghetti dinner.

The US MWCT team couldn't get enough of Jacob. The connection to all that MWCT does, thought Jacob, was tangible and incredibly motivating for all that met him.

Jacob on the ferry to the marathon starting line!

Bib numbers in hand! Ready to run...

The next morning was marathon day! Jacob is truly talented and had an amazing marathon time of 2 hours 20 minutes in the Chyulu Hills while practicing here in Kenya. But unfortunately because it was not an official race, Jacob was not qualified to start earlier than the other thousands of recreational runners. Jacob started with the "herd" of runners at 10:30 a.m..

Despite all these circumstances, he was running at an astounding pace, averaging six minute miles until the 10 kilometre mark, in which he unfortunately sustained an slight knee injury that caused his pace to slow down. His finishing time for the total marathon distance of 42 kilometres was 2 hours and 58 minutes. An unbelievable time! Although Jacob said he was not very happy with his time, it was truly remarkable to place under 3 hours for having travelled multiple hours, along with experiencing a different culture, eating different food, running with different shoes, and running on pavement!

Sampling Gatorade flavours post-marathon 

Fortunately Jacob is recovering well from his slight injury, and had the warmest support from many people in New York that were there to run alongside him, or to just cheer him along.

Relaxing in the morning the day after the marathon

MWCT and the entire Marathon team are forever inspired by Jacob's courage and determination. If you would be interested in running on the MWCT NYC Marathon team, please email mwct.team@gmail.com. We can't wait for 2014!

A big thank you must be extended to ALL of those in New York, the AECOM team, and the rest of those in the US who helped make Jacob's experience a successful and memorable one. All of us here at MWCT were very excited to welcome Jacob home! Please enjoy the video below of Jacob being welcomed home by the President of MWCT, Samson Parashina!

You can find the video on YouTube here: Welcome Home Jacob

MWCT's Community Involvement

Often this blog details the dedicated work of MWCT's three main programs in Conservation, Health, and Education, but it is important to remember one of the pillars of everything MWCT does: our involvement with the local Maasai community.  The Maasai of Kuku Group Ranch are the reason we exist, and they make our daily work worth doing.  In the past few months we've been honored to be involved in several important community events, providing excellent opportunities to remember why we do the work we do.

Three members of the Langata women's group display their beaded jewelry.

We've already detailed our adventures at the First Annual Maasai Olympics here, here, and here, and written about a celebration of a young women's group here.  We've also been encouraging the work of a women's group in Langata Village that has been crafting beautiful beaded jewelry.  Formed in 2009 when severe drought killed crops and forced families to search for alternative revenue, the group consists mainly of older women.  Our eco-tourism partner Campi ya Kanzi has graciously offered to help sell this jewelry in their gift shop, supporting the efforts of these local Maasai artists.

Village elders bless young women taking part in an alternative right-of-passage ceremony.

MWCT also collaborated with AMREF to sponsor a three-day workshop in Iltilal Village exploring alternatives to the traditional right-of-passage ceremony for young women, which involves female circumcision.  Over 200 young girls attended the workshop, where the dangers of circumcision were outlined and an alternative ceremony proposed.  On the third day this ceremony was held, with the entire Maasai community participating and the village elders blessing the young women.

Samson leading the community barazaa and explaining the new ambulance.

Finally, MWCT held a barazaa (community meeting) to announce the arrival of an important new part of the Health Program - an ambulance!  Nicknamed Anna (after its donor, Anna Kulidjian), this ambulance greatly expands the reach of our medical capabilities, and will allow for rapid transport of very sick patients, something that was previously impossible.  Samson presented the vehicale to the community and explained how it will be used; to cover costs and instill a sense of community ownership, there will be a small fee for emergency use.  It was well-received, and the Maasai are very happy with this new convenience.

A Community Health Worker examines our new ambulance.

First Annual Maasai Olympics - Part III

This is Part III of III in our series on the First Annual Maasai Olympics.  Click here for Part I, and here for Part II of our adventures at this exciting cultural and community event!

A moran jumps in the high jumping competition, thrilling the assembled crowd.

Last but not least was the final event of the day, the traditional high jump.  With the entire audience clustered around the jumping area the morani (warriors) competing  were initially hard to see, but soon they began jumping so high they were easily visible.  Contested from a standing start, the competition measured how high a jumper could reach with his head.  The bar moved up and up, and soon only a few competitors remained.  After a closely-contested jump-off to determine the medals that was followed with bated breath by the crowd, the final order was determined and the winners celebrated and paraded around the grounds.

Gorgeous, brilliantly-colored shukas and intricate jewelry was worn by nearly all attendees.

During a short break the medals podium was set up and the awards ceremony began.  Guests of honor presented many of the medals and cash prizes, including 2012 Champion of the Earth Samson Parashina of MWCT.

Maasai women in bright kanga looking on at the high jumping competition.

After all the individual awards the team trophies were presented, with Mbirikani pulling ahead at the end of the day to take top position.  Olgulului came second, with Rombo and Kuku behind, but it was Mbirikani was led their whole contingent in a great parade around the competition area.

Two young Maasai warriors strain for a better view of the jumping competitors.

The Olympics concluded with short speeches from the guests of honor emphasizing the value of community efforts and the new traditions formed throughout the 1st Annual Maasai Olympics, and then a meal of nyama choma (roast goat) was shared by all.  All told it was an excellent day, with fierce but respectful competition on all sides, and a great spectacle for all who attended.

First Annual Maasai Olympics - Part II

This is Part II of III in our series on the First Annual Maasai Olympics.  Click here to see Part I...

Near the beginning of the 5000m, when it was still a closely-contested race.

Having finished the throwing events the Olympics progressed to the running events, with 800 metre world record-holder, reigning Olympic gold medal champion, and Maasai tribe member David Rudisha serving as honorary guest and race official.  First was the 5000-metre run, contested over 12 1/2 laps on the makeshift 400-metre track lined with cheering spectators.

The beautiful medals given as prizes for the five main events - javelin, rungu, 200m, 5000m, and high jumping.

After some early battling for the lead by a trio of Mbirikani runners, a runner from Rombo took over the race and won handily, by more than 200 metres.  With his victorious race he won a trip to the United States to run in the 2013 New York Marathon, a trip sponsored by the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust.  If you would like to join the MWCT Team and run with this proud warrior in November, please follow this blog and check back soon!

After each event, members of the victorious manyatta would storm the field and parade their champion around.

The 5000 metres was followed by the first women's event, the 1500-metre run.  A close-fought race from start to finish, it was a great chance for the young Maasai women to participate in the Olympics as well.  Next came the sprints, with Mbirikani sweeping the top two spots in the 200-metre sprint, and a spirited 100-metre dash from the women.

This is Part II of III in our series on the First Annual Maasai Olympics.  Check back in a couple days for the final installment, Part III...

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...

The Year in Conservation

With the year 2012 having recently come to a close, here's a quick recap of the major achievements of MWCT's Conservation Program over the past twelve months.  We experienced major achievements and successes on local, regional, and even international levels.  With your continued support and enthusiasm, we can make 2013 even more successful!

Maasai warriors listen to MWCT verifying officers explaining our Wildlife Pays program.

Local Level

• Our 8 Simba Scouts received training in advanced data collection methods and GPS use

• 7 lion hunts were halted by MWCT verifying officers and Rangers this year; only one lion was speared by Maasai warriors in self-defense while it was preying a cow

• MWCT established regular data sharing (lion observations and camera trap recordings) with nearby eco-tourism lodge Campi ya Kanzi

• 21 arrests were made by our Community Rangers this year
• 4 for elephant poaching
• 4 for bushmeat poaching
• 5 for illegal charcoaling
• 2 for forest destruction
• 6 for sandalwood logging

• We developed and implemented an environmental education curriculum for use in local schools to create conservation awareness and support; our presentations were given to more than 800 students

• 28 conservation outreaches were held in 16 different locations across Kuku Group Ranch, reaching more than 4200 residents through community meetings, discussions, and environmental film screenings

• Our Wildlife Pays program was under its compensation cap for all four quarters of 2012, indicating not only successful management, but also better husbandry by the Maasai

• In collaboration with multinational engineering firm AECOM, MWCT is developing a holistic water management plan for Kuku Group Ranch.  This project will include a wetland restoration project and the construction of pit latrines in several communities, as well as providing the Maasai with clean water sources

• Water use and discharge of springs in the Olpusare-Moilo farming area were recorded and 47 wells were mapped to enhance the Kuku Group Ranch water system model created by AECOM

A Maasai moran participates in the spear-throwing portion of the inaugural Maasai Olympics.

Regional Level

• In collaboration with the Maasailand Preservation Trust and the Amboseli Trust for Elephants, we organised the inaugural Maasai Olympics.  Intended to promote Maasai culture and warrior skills through a sports competition rather than traditional methods such as lion killing, the event was a great success

• Building on our memorandum of understanding with Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), 8 joint patrols were conducted and KWS assisted with four arrests by our Rangers.  We also worked with KWS to expand data and information sharing regarding conservation efforts in the region

• 44 MWCT Community Rangers received professional KWS Ranger training

Samson receiving his Champion of the Earth award from MWCT friend and actor Edward Norton.

International Level

• This summer at Rio+20 MWCT won the UNDP's 2012 Equator Prize and MWCT President Samson Parashina was named a UNDP Champion of the Earth for leading community efforts to conserve the Tsavo-Amboseli ecosystem

• We collaborated with the Zoological Society of London to develop a new wildlife monitoring protocol

Maasai Olympics Regional Competition

In mid-November Iltilal village hosted the regional level of competition for the first-annual Maasai Olympics celebration (read more about the initiative here), and it was an amazing spectacle!  It was a great success, with the entire community coming out to watch and very enthusiastic about the competition.

A strong moran throwing a javelin as part of the spear-throwing competition.

The morani, or Maasai warriors, spend most of their time herding cattle in the bush, only rarely coming into contact with other Maasai who live in the villages of Kuku Group Ranch.  With their striking red shukas, intricate beaded jewelry, and elaborate hair so distinct from other Maasai, they are truly a sight to see.  The young Maasai children crowded around the competition areas, straining to catch a glimpse of these strong warriors.

This moran's hair is particularly elaborate, but all Maasai warriors are very proud of their carefully-kept hair.

The competition went very well, with each of the various events (200m sprint, 5000m run, spear throwing, rungu throwing, high jumping) determining a champion to send onto the final level of competition, the tribe-wide Maasai Olympics to be held on 22nd December with Maasai from all over East Africa.  Even with the previous night's rain washing away some of the carefully placed chalk lines for competition, nothing stopped the community from coming together for this fun and important cultural event.

Close of shot of the beautiful beaded jewelry and sandals made from recycled tires.

The community support was the most important part of this whole inaugural event, and it is this sort of adaptation that will allow the Maasai to adjust to the modern world while nonetheless maintaining their important cultural traditions.  As an added incentive toward this goal, MWCT is funding a trip for the winner of the 5000m run to go run the 2013 New York Marathon in America.  We look forward to another great round of competition and cultural celebration at the final level in a couple weeks!