Kenya: “Maasai Olympics” Replaces Lion Hunting Custom, Sees Women’s Participation | Firstpost Africa

Kenya: “Maasai Olympics” Replaces Lion Hunting Custom, Sees Women’s Participation | Firstpost Africa

In Kenya, Maasai people are participating in a kind of Olympics that is giving a new twist to a local coming-to-age custom, called the “Olamayio” rites. The old tradition involved young men hunting lions to prove their skills and attract girls. However, the dropping lion population led conservation groups to demand a change from the community. With the approval of the Maasai community’s elders, conservation groups started the “Maasai Olympics” in 2012 to counter the “Olamayio” rites. Young Maasai men now participate in athletic events such as races, to prove their worth within the community. This has helped save the lion population in Kenya’s Amboseli ecosystem, where fewer than 20 lions roamed in the early 2000s. The “Maasai Olympics” has also begun seeing participation from women, who see the event as an opportunity to shine and gain more opportunities. Organisers of the event now plan to launch more games to increase women's participation in the “Maasai Olympics.” Watch the video to know more.

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