Launch of the Zeitz Foundation and the Long Run

When a local daily carried a front page picture with the caption “Usain Bolts into Kenya” on the same page with “32 ministers still cling to their prestige limousines” not many people in Laikipia took any notice. But in the next four days Laikipia was constantly in the news as the land of endless horizons, affable people and spectacular wildlife played host to arguably the most recognizable face of modern sport, Usain Bolt. As the fastest man on earth enjoyed his first game drive, Laikipia also staked a claim as a “must visit” for anyone who enjoys a wilderness experience.

But what was the sprint king doing in the land of long distance runners? The likeable and down to earth man from Trelawney Parish in Jamaica was in Kenya as Ambassador for the Zeitz Foundation’s ‘Long Run’ initiative. Founded by Jochen Zeitz, the Chairman and CEO of Puma AG, the foundation is inspired by a vision of the Ecosphere – our planet and all of its life-sustaining regions – maintained in the healthiest possible state, and is committed to promoting an inclusive, holistic paradigm of conservation that enhances livelihoods and fosters intercultural dialogue.

Through the Long Run, which encompasses 9 Long Run Destinations globally, the Zeitz Foundation is aiming to demonstrate that working toward ecosphere safety can be economically viable if a balance between conservation, community, culture, and commerce is achieved. Segera Ranch is one of these 9 Destinations. Asked why he agreed to be global Ambassador for the initiative, Bolt says "I was attracted to the Long Run because I share its objectives on the conservation of the environment and co-existence of different cultures."

Laikipia being the melting pot of Kenyan cultures, Bolt was not disappointed for the two days he interacted with the locals. On Saturday the 31st October, after a game drive at Segera Ranch, the Kenyan headquarters of the Zeitz Foundation, he was made a Maasai moran and aptly named Loingwany. After an hour of dancing Maasai warrior style Loingwany Bolt was heard telling Collin Jackson, a former Olympic 110 meters hurdles champion and the Zeitz Foundation’s Specialist for Sport “These Maasai men can dance, man! It is like a gym workout.” That dance was perhaps a warm up for the following day as school children gave Bolt and other invited guests from Laikipia a proper cultural “workout” though dance and poetry recital after a luncheon hosted by Mr. Zeitz for local leaders.

The finale of the launch was a showing of HOME movie by celebrated French filmmaker Yann Arthus-Bertrand. The thought provoking movie shows the diversity of life on Earth and how humanity is threatening the ecological balance of the planet. As the narrator says in the movie, we cannot afford to be pessimistic, each of us has role to play in bringing about ecosphere safety and that is the message of the Zeitz Foundation.