Public Project
Maasai Olympics
In 2010, after realizing that their historic rite of passage had negatively affected the local lion population, the Maasai elders approached the conservation organization The Big Life Foundation for assistance in creating an alternative to lion hunting for the young men. Launched in 2012, the Olympics now include events for girls and provide prizes not only for performance in the athletic competitions, but for the manyatta that has had the most positive ecological impact since the previous games. The Maasai Olympics demonstrate how collaborative efforts can lead to a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.
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