Tara Teng is preparing to take on the World.
Crowned Miss World Canada 2012 last spring, the Langley woman left on Saturday for Ordos, China to participate the 62nd Miss World competition.
Teng will be in China from July 18 to Aug. 18 competing for the global title to further her message of ending modern day slavery and attempting to bring the crown to Canada for the first time in history.
The Miss World Pageant’s mandate is “Beauty with a purpose.” The pageant stresses the equal importance of inner and outer beauty.
“I am honoured to represent Canada on the global stage at Miss World and truly hope my success is marked by my stand for the value and freedom of every human life,” said Teng, who expressed her gratitude to friends, family, leaders and others who have encouraged and supported her.
“Her determination and passion to continue making positive changes in the lives of people worldwide is inspiring, said Miss World Canada chairman, Ike Lalji.
Lalji says that this is the first time in the history of the pageant that such a monumental contribution has been made by a titleholder.
“We stand behind her and know that she is a great representative, not only for Canada but for the world,” Lalji said.
The Miss World Pageant is the oldest, and most watched pageant on the planet, with more than two billion viewers.
Miss World has changed the lives of many children by raising over $500 million dollars globally.
If you would like to support Teng in her effort, please visit www.facebook.com/MissWorldCanada, like the page and share.
The likes on this page count towards Teng’s score and you can also follow her progress.
“I am proud to represent my beautiful country of Canada to the world, either way — it’s time to make history,” said Teng.
Becoming a voice for others
Langley’s Hannah Seaman captured the Miss BC 2012 title this past Canada Day long weekend when she was crowned at the annual charity event, which takes place every summer at the Chief Sepass Theatre in Fort Langley. With 46 contestants, the weekend raised more than $37,000 for the Cops for Cancer organization.
Seaman, who has stuttered since she was in Grade 3, says in her online bio at www.missbc.ca, that her speech difficulties have played an important role in her life.
“I’ve realized that it’s my speech that makes me who I am. If this had never happened, I would not be here today,” she said.
With her title, Seaman wants to be “a voice for anyone who has ever felt unworthy because of a disability.”
Each contestant received professional training in areas such as modelling, stage presence, manners and etiquette, self-esteem, interview skills, public speaking, self-defence and assertiveness.
This year, the pageant celebrated its 10th anniversary, bringing back previous titleholders to share their stories since receiving their crowns. A shortened version of the finale will be broadcast on Shaw TV this fall.
Other winners of the evening included:
• Miss BC – Hannah Seaman
• Mrs. BC – Ami Muranetz
• Miss Teen BC – Charmaine Laride
• Miss Charity BC – Desiree Tremblay
• Mrs. Lower Mainland – Danielle Bermel
• Miss Lower Mainland – Casar Jacobson
• Miss Greater Vancouver – Ada Gu
• Miss Fraser Valley – Desiree Tremblay
• Miss Vancouver Island – Kendall Andjelkovic
• Miss BC Interior – Sandeep Bengag
• People’s Choice Award – Stephani Monkman
• Miss Congeniality – Charmaine Laride
