14 August 2008

The search is on for Trump's girl at Miss Universe®

ON THE 100TH anniversary of the first international beauty pageant ever held in Great Britain, the organisers of Miss Universe Great Britain have launched their search for the woman who will represent the country at Miss Universe 2009.

The Miss Universe pageant is owned by American tycoon, Donald Trump, and is one of the largest beauty pageants in the world.

Great Britain has never won the event, but the organising team – Vibe Models – are hopeful that the 100th anniversary of the pageant could bring good luck.

100 years ago, the first international beauty contest was held at the Pier Hippodrome in Folkeston on 14 August 1908 and was won by a Nellie Jarman from England ahead of a field of six English women, three French, one Irish and one Austrian.

Director of Vibe Models Paula Abbandonato, said: “The beauty pageant is arguably more popular than it has ever been and 100 years in, this is without doubt, the opportunity of a lifetime for someone. We want proud, confident, bright and ambitious women to enter who are up for a roller coaster of experiences and a year like no other.”

She added: “Our winner must be a head turner who can stand out on a stage of beauties from across the globe. Great Britain has never won Miss Universe – until now!”
To enter the Miss Universe Great Britain competition, women must be aged between 18-27, should be a native of England, Scotland and Wales and should never have been married or had children.

A series of quarter finals will take place in Glasgow, Birmingham, London and Cardiff next year to choose the 50 women who will go on to take part in the grand final in May.

The winner of Miss Universe Great Britain will receive an incredible prize package including an all expenses paid three week visit to Miss Universe 2009.

She will also visit Australia, Mexico, Mongolia and Lapland in her capacity as ambassador for The Joshua Foundation – a charity which gives life experiences to children with terminal cancer and their families. In 2007, the competition generated more than £35,000 for the charity.