Miss Universe Preliminary Competition begins

by Shelbey Hernandez

Fifteen women from the Windsor and Essex County have made it through the Miss Universe Canada Western Ontario Preliminary Competition.

According to Sonny Borrelli, the regional director and executive producer for the preliminary competition, this is the first step towards choosing who will represent Canada in the Miss Universe pageant. Borrelli said the date and location of the Miss Universe Pageant hasn’t been announced yet, but it is usually in December. This is the first time the preliminary round is being held in Windsor. They are still looking for five more girls who will have until early March to enter.

Borrelli said society has a tendency to think negatively about pageants, but women should take the opportunity to participate. He believes that doing so can increase their confidence, improve their communication skills and give them a stronger stage presence. Borrelli said girls are chosen not just for their beauty, but for their intelligence.

“I know a lot of girls are not motivated to do pageants because they think they’re not pretty enough to do it or they say they don’t have the time,” said Jillian Parent, 23, a Windsor woman who has been involved in pageants for four years. “Once they come into the pageant, they see it’s not all about just hair and makeup and nails. It’s about being a role model in your community, it’s about getting out there and getting your name out there, advocating for what you believe in.”

Katelyn Samson, 20, is also a Windsor woman who has made it to the preliminary round. Unlike Parent, this is her first pageant. She said she found out about the pageant because of a post she saw at St. Clair College. Even though she hasn’t had any experience, Borrelli said this pageant provides training to those who need it until April 26 when they choose who will move onto the national pageant.

The training will be provided by Chelsea Durocher who was Miss Universe Canada in 2011 and Michelle McKay who was third runner up Miss Universe Canada 2013.

“It’s something fun, you get to be in front of a lot of people and that’s something I really enjoy. I’m really into acting and I always liked to be in school plays in high school,” Samson said. “I never had that opportunity so now I like being in front of people and just showing off the talents that I have.”

Borrelli said once all 30 girls have been picked, they will have a meet-and-greet event at The Bank. He said he hopes the meet-and-greet will allow the public to see girls who are beautiful but also intelligent and articulate. Those who attend will get to see all 30 girls and will be able to ask them any questions they have.

The national round will take place in Toronto and on May 24, 2014 where one woman will be crowned Miss Universe Canada 2014.