Turkana-lympics: Rhythmic Dancing (and Singing) and the Closing Ceremony

The last event, and almost certainly the one everyone was looking forward to was the Rhythmic Dancing and Singing. This event was different from all the others because the athletes would not only be judged on their skill, but, more importantly, their creativity. And of course, for this, we had three experienced judges – Dr. Dino Martins, Dr. Sonia Harmand, and myself.

Before we started all the teams posed for some photos with the setting Turkana sun.

*Akreísma* (Carolina, Abdi and Kailie)

Bui Bui (Janina, Angela and Lauren)

Kasaröfell (Sarah, Kate and Rob)

R.E.T. (Robyn, Erica and Tiffany) and Tom

The event “danced-off” with Kasaröfell’s sea shanty inspired performance “Everybody wan’t to be a wombat” – “A pirate’s life for me” fusion.

Followed by RET’s inspirational performance on their world’s recent history and the rise of the Empire of Tom.

*Akreísma* hit the floor with a comedic single about life at the field school and key fossil discoveries.

But, without a doubt, the most amazing of all was Bui Bui’s performance with their own version of the Little Mermaid’s “Under the Sea” – “At TBI”. A catchy tune, with excellent vocals by Angela and fantastic jacob staff twirling and dancing from Janina and Lauren.

The Turkana-lympics could not end, however, without a closing ceremony, which was organised and hosted by the lovely Turkana-lympics committee.

The Turkana-lympic committee give out the medals to the athletes.

Last, but not least, in 4th place we had Bui Bui, who for their outstanding performance on the dance-floor were also awarded the title of “The Dancing Queens”!

Bui Bui – The Dancing Queens

In 3rd place came R.E.T., who, amazed everyone with their lightening speed in the 4-legged race, were also awarded the tittle of “The 4-legged wonder”!

The Royal Empire of Tom – The 4-legged Wonder

In 2nd place… Kasaröfell, were also awarded the title of “The Turkwell River Pirates”, no doubt aided by their long existence as a sea-faring nation, for surpassing all other ships in the boat race both in terms of build and speed.

Kasaröfell – The Turkwell River Pirates

And, of course, in 1st place, winning gold for most of the Olympic events – *Akreísma* – who for being amazing at almost everything, but, especially, at knocking out all other teams in Balls of Doum, were also awarded the title of “The King and Queens of Doum”.

In 1st place…

*Akreísma* – The King and Queens of Doum

The Turkana-lympic committee thank everyone for making this such a fun event to host and keeping up the good sporting spirit throughout the games.

The committee – Kat and Dino – with the Olympic mascot, Kima, the sock monkey.

At the end of the evening the kitchen staff surprised everyone with a delicious freshly baked chocolate cake with a strawberry filling! Asante Sana to all of them for cooking such wonderful food and for looking after us during these amazing 10 weeks.