Straying away from the beauty pageant name

Straying Away From The Beauty Pageant Name

By Chelsea Girard

As women take the stage locally, nationally and internationally, pageants have begun to be more diverse and stray away

Pageants are for all ages and also range from petite to plus size women. There are pageants for every shape, size and ethnicity including Miss Plus America and Ms. Full Figured USA.

Founded in Hamilton in 1945, the Miss Canada competition is Canada’s oldest beauty pageant.

Katrina Kryza, 23, a previous Miss Windsor 2013 winner and Miss Universe Canada contestant, believes there is no reason someone would not want to challenge their mind and body. Kryza sees an issue with anyone who judges someone else for challenging themselves while they just sit back and make stereotypical comments.

“I’m not sure if pageants themselves promote body positivity,” said Kryza. “I know that when I watch pageants I definitely look at the swimsuit section and think ‘wow, I need to go to the gym more,’ and that encourages me.”

Miss World and Miss Teen USA both eliminated the swimsuit portion of their competition and replaced it with a fitness component in order to promote health and wellness. The athletic wear competition means contestants wear sneakers, leggings and a sporty top instead of a bathing suit and heels.

Wendi Russo, 52, is a pageant coach, Mrs. United Nations 2016 and gym trainer. Russo aims to help contestants identify their strengths and weaknesses and builds up her clients’ confidence to love what they see in the mirror.

“Eating healthy, maintaining a healthy sleep schedule and working out regularly all contribute to loving your body,” said Russo. “I always tell my clients to find something they want to improve, whether it be their stomach or thighs. Eating healthy and working out is always the main priority to ensure results.”

Miss Universe Canada Southwestern Ontario Pageant is hosting its second casting call of the season on Feb.12 at Freeds of Windsor. Ages 18-28 are eligible to compete. This pageant is the region’s only contest before the Miss Universe Canada nationals.

Chelsea Lefler, 23,has been a pageant contestant in various local pageants including Miss Tecumseh, Miss LaSalle and Miss Talent throughout the years. Lefler’s pageants have helped her love the body she is in and be happy with who she is.

“I am truly a strong believer in pageants being body positive,” said Lefler. “I used to be really self conscious about my body until my first pageant. It has encouraged me to not only start living a healthier lifestyle but it has also taught me to love myself and love my body.”

Pageants have strayed away from just a beauty component but have implemented charity work, volunteerism and interviews to find the winner to represent their organization.