Joburg to host Miss World

2009-11-04 12:28

Current Miss World Ksenia Sukhinova. (Picture provided)

Johannesburg - For the second consecutive year, the Miss World finale will be held in Johannesburg.

The 120 participants will arrive on November 14 as they prepare for the finale at a ceremony to be held at the Gallagher Convention Centre on December 12.

With a global TV audience of more than one billion viewers, the Miss World contest is a big deal and the live broadcast will begin at 17:00.

"Before Miss World 2008, Joburg was ranked at number 152 by the International Congress and Convention Association, but jumped 33 places to 120 after the event," said Lindiwe Mahlangu, CEO of the Johannesburg Tourism Company.

There will be a series of mini festivals as a warm-up to the big event, including the Miss World Beach Beauty contest, and the Miss World Talent Show, when they'll demonstrate their talents and abilities.

The Miss World Sportswoman event will see them taking part in a series of challenges that will test their sportsmanship and agility.

The theme for the Miss World Competition is "Beauty for a purpose" and the participants will be involved in charity work in the run-up to the finale.

"We are delighted to return to this nation of great natural beauty and wonderfully kind and welcoming people.  We are supremely confident that Miss World 2009 in Johannesburg will be an event to make us all proud," said Miss World Organisation Chair Julia Morley.
 

- News24