Once upon a time, the maasai competitions coincided with the initiation rites of the young ‘moran’, who became adults. Amongst the tests of strength, orientation, courage and dignity, there was also the terrible one of killing a lion, which today is fortunately no longer compulsory, having already become illegal after the abolition of hunting in Kenya in the mid-1970s.
But in recent years, the ‘Olamayio’ rite, besides favouring sport as the highest and most correct form of physical and spiritual growth, has also opened up to women.
This is an epoch-making turning point for a tribe that is not only iconographic and a ‘testimonial’ of Africa that does not change its customs, but is also seen as proud, warlike (even though it has not been so for more than a century) and above all macho. The practices of infibulation, for which so many young Maasai girls have fought, risking excommunication from their families, shame and exile, and for which symbolic women like Nice Nailantei have become Unicef spokespersons, are just one example.

Last weekend in Kimana, at the foot of Amboseli Park, where the largest Maasai cattle market has always been held, the Maasai Olympics of the two sexes took place.
A few thousand people followed and cheered on 40 of them, out of a total of 160 athletes, in disciplines ranging from the classic 100 metres to middle-distance running, from the high jump (but the vertical, standing jump that is part of the famous tribe's dances) to the throwing of the ‘rungu’, the shepherd's crook.
In the men's competitions, hand and stick fighting still survive, in which one competes to win the woman to marry, but today girls too can show their talent, and decide their fate according to their abilities. Sport is just one symbol, a very popular one, of what the new generations can do to change the history of one of Africa's most famous ethnic groups, which is proud to remain itself, but without being anchored in sexist practices and without prevaricating.
The ‘Big Life Foundation’, which has always been close to safeguarding the ecosystem of the Maasai region, as well as the lions, has played a big role in this awareness, through athletics.
And if sport is able to attract and make everyone understand gender equality, animal conservation and the importance of excelling without having to subdue the losers, it is more than welcome.

(Photo: Jeremy Goss for Big Life Foundation)