Capital FM (Nairobi)

Kenya: Inaugural Maasai Olympics Set

17 December 2012

Maasai warriors turned athletes will compete at the first-ever Maasai Olympics on 22nd December, 2012 at Kimana Wildlife Sanctuary, Amboseli National Park - Kenya.

According to Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, Maasai warriors killed lions traditionally as a way to compete for recognition, identify leaders and attract girlfriends. The Maasai Olympics is a history-changing alternative and offers Maasai warriors a way to maintain their traditional rituals while co-existing peacefully with their eco-system through competing based upon traditional warrior skills.

Successful competitors that beat out other aspiring warriors in the local and regional levels, will compete with Maasai ecosystem-wide in five events: 200m sprint, 5000m run, spear throwing, rungu throwing, and high jump. Aside from cash prizes, the overall winner will receive an all expenses paid trip to New York City for the annual New York City Marathon in 2013 as a cultural exchange and to represent Maasai internationally.

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  • Ed-L
    Dec 18 2012, 21:38
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    Great idea!! I also understand that London Olympic 800 Meter Gold Medalist, David Rudish will be on hand to give out the medals to the winners at this Maasai Olympic event. The young Kenya Maasai runner is also the World Record holder in the 800 Meters race.