Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes in the Miss World judging process? Well, for the first time ever in the pageant’s history, the Miss World Organization has released highlights from Miss World 2011 judges interviews! Our very own Sasha Joyce can be seen in this video on the day she faced the all important judging panel and her chance to speak before the judges is in the video that follows.
The beach beauty contestants were so great this year that the judges chose 36 qualifiers instead of 20! Unfortunately, our Miss World Bahamas Sasha Joyce did not make the cut. The the 36 qualifiers for beach beauty are Argentina, Aruba, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, France, England, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Korea, Belarus, Israel, Kazakhstan , Martinique, Mauritius, Moldova, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Northern Ireland, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, St Barthelemy, Sweden, Uganda, Ukraine, United States, US Virgin Islands, Venezuela, Wales and Zimbabwe.
On the same day, the Top Model competition was held, and this year’s Semi-Finalists are…
Albania, Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Bolivia, China PR, England, France, India, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Martinique, Philippines, Sweden, Ukraine, Venezuela and Zimbabwe!
While Miss World Alexandria Mills and Miss World Africa Emma Wareus were invited earlier this year by Cambridge University to discuss their experiences, it was now time for the Miss World 2011 contestants to have their chance. Travelling from London to Cambridge to visit the famous top-ranked university, the national representatives were invited to participate in a debate which covered a wide range of topics concerning the Miss World event and Beauty with a Purpose.
Before the debate the Miss World 2011 contestants were taken on a tour of Cambridge and the university campus. The contestants were shown around the world-renowned colleges and beautiful historic buildings which comprise Cambridge University, including St. John’s, Clare and Trinity. Others took the opportunity for a spot of punting, taking in the sights while travelling along the River Cam in gondola-style boats.
The focus of the evening was the debate itself, held in the Cambridge Union Society, which was established in 1815 and is a prestigious arena of free speech which promotes the art of debating, hosting many prominent figures from the worlds of politics, science, arts and entertainment. This was the place for the Miss World hopefuls to talk about the social responsibility their titles hold in their respective countries. There was particular reference to the work of Beauty with a Purpose, the charitable element at the centre of Miss World.
Leading the debate were Zimbabwe, Botswana, Scotland, and Puerto Rico, who each delivered a speech to open proceedings. Zimbabwe spoke passionately about the importance of Beauty with a Purpose and her work helping the fight against a cholera epidemic in her country through engineering and hygiene projects. Botswana delivered an entertaining yet very thoughtful speech about tolerance and the need to dispel common misconceptions, leading to a rousing round of applause. Scotland’s presentation focused on the inspiring work of the contestants through Beauty with a Purpose, as well as highlighting some of the impressive working and academic backgrounds of her fellow contestants. Last of the principal speakers, Puerto Rico, engaged the audience with her work with children back home, including how much she has already learned from the Miss World experience.
After the speeches, the debate was open to contributions from the floor. Cambridge university students asked challenging questions on various aspects of Miss World and Beauty with a Purpose. When asked about the global reach of Beauty with a Purpose, Sierra Leone explained how bringing so many countries together allowed them to exchange ideas and methods for tackling shared international issues such as guaranteeing education for girls. Responding to the debate regarding inner beauty and outer beauty, Spain remarked how she has to demonstrate to others her inner beauty, and Dominican Republic and New Zealand echoed the need to challenge all prejudices.
Mauritius discussed the nature of beauty, while Russia, Egypt, Ireland and South Africa also had their say. To conclude the evening, Miss World Alexandria Mills spoke about perceptions of Miss World around the world and Miss World Africa Emma Wareus shared her experiences and how all contestants come from different backgrounds.
It was a successful evening. The gathered audience were enthusiastic throughout, the Society helping to create a memorable evening for all. Following the debate, was a reception and a chance to engage with their international special guests further. Here is a video of debate highlights.
As a special final day in Scotland, all 122 of the 2011 Miss World Contestants spent the day in ‘awe’ at one of Scotland’s most important historical buildings, the Edinburgh Castle. A once mighty fortress that housed royalty as it dominated the skyline; Edinburgh Castle is now home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, as well as being the focal point for the Scottish Hogmanay celebrations.
While on their tour of the castle, the girls had the privilege of witnessing the historic firing of the one o’clock gun, which has been fired almost every day since 1861. The gun did not disappoint, and despite covering their ears in anticipation, everyone jumped in shock at the sound and power of this ancient attraction.
The contestants were greeted by a traditional Scottish pipe and drum band. The girl’s joined in with the march through the castle gateway and out onto the esplanade. The castle looked stunning – illuminated by the darkening skyline and flaming torches. The contestants marched in unison. embracing a Scottish tradition. The day was truly a fantastic end to the Scottish leg of the Miss World 2011 UK tour.
On Wednesday, the 122 contestants competing in Miss World 2011 attended a very special Scottish Dinner at Crieff Hydro where they learned more about the local culture, its dances and gastronomy. The beauties spent their last night in Scotland in style as they return to London on Thursday.
The Miss World candidates have been having a blast in Scotland. Yesterday some of them they played golf at Gleneagles, while another group of girls visited the beautiful Stirling Castle. Miss World Bahamas Sasha Joyce was among the group visiting the castle. The were joined by the reigning Miss World Alexandria Mills. They are all impressed with the Scottish culture, sightseeing and hospitality! You can watch the video of the castle visit here.
A series of competitions, including swimming and some local traditional sports called the Highland Games, took place in Scotland with the finalists of Miss World’s Sports Event. The girls took part in tossing the caber, a farmer’s dash and swimming gala. Split randomly into four teams — orange, blue, green and red — Miss Scotland gave her team advice on how to toss the caber with the hills above Crieff Hydro echoing to the whooping from the girls enjoying the events. Sasha was part of Group 1, the red team which started strong, but faded at the end. It’s been reported that Group 3, which includes Panama, Paraguay, Germany, Jamaica, Latvia, and Portugal, was the winning group, however, we won’t find out who the individual winner is untitl it is announced during the pagant finale on November 6th. Below is a look at how the competition went, as reported by the Miss World Organization’s facebook page.
October 24, 2011: last updated 9:08am
Results from the first swimming race:
1st: Bonaire
2nd: Czech Republic
3rd: Trinidad & Tobago
4th: Panama
Results from the second swimming race:
1st: Paraguay
2nd: Guatemala
3rd: Australia
4th: Puerto Rico
Results from the third swimming race:
1st: Dominican Republic
2nd: Sweden
3rd: Jamaica
4th: Bahamas
Results for the fourth swimming race:
1. Latvia
2. Denmark
3. Canada
4. Singapore
Results from the fith swimming race:
1st: Chile
2nd: Hungary
3rd: Portugal
4th: Uguanda
Results from the sixth and final swimming race:
1st: Scotland
2nd: Germany
3rd: Botswana
4th: Bolivia
At this stage in the Sports Final, the leading team is group 2: Czech Republic, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Botswana
24th October, 2011: update 11:50am
Farmer’s Dash Results:
1st: Group Four (Orange): Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, Sweden, Singapore, Uganda, Scotland
2nd: Group One (Red): Bonaire, Australia, Bahamas, Canada, Chile, Bolivia
3rd: Group Three (Blue): Panama, Paraguay, Germany, Jamaica, Latvia, Portugal
4th: Group Two (Green): Czech Republic, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Botswana
First Round Results for Highland Games: Group 4 beat Group 3 and Group 1 beat Group 2. Now groups 2 and 3 are competing in the runner-up playoffs.
24th October, 2011: update 12:01pm
Placings so far…
1st: Group One
2nd: Group Two
3rd: Group Four
4th: Group Three
Coming up next – team shuttle run and the final sprint!
24th October, 2011: update 1:30pm
Shuttle Run results
1st – Group Three (Panama, Paraguay, Germany, Jamaica, Latvia, Portuga)
2nd – Group Four (Trinidad & Tobago, Puerto Rico, Sweden, Singapore, Uganda, Scotland)
3rd – Group One (Bonaire, Australia, Bahamas, Canada, Chile, Bolivia)
4th – Group Two (Czech Republic, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Botswana)
Sprint Results:
The six winners from the sprints (six different groups, the winner from each group). Trinidad & Tobago, Paraguay, Dominican Republic, Latvia, Uganda, Scotland.
Team Results
1st Place: Group 3, the Blue Team!
2nd Place: Group 4, the Orange team!
3rd Place: Group 2, the Green team!
4th Place: Group 1, the Red team!
Guatemala and Bolivia pick up special awards for the haggis hurling event – a cuddly cow each!
Green Team (Group Two) got a Best Supporters Award!
Sasha Joyce with, from L-R: Zimbabwe, Miss World 2010 Alexandria Mills, Bermuda, and Miss World 2010 1st runner up Emma Wareus.
Russia, Zimbabwe, Northern Ireland, Netherlands, Bahamas, El Salvador, Honduras and Bermuda.
Sasha and some of her fellow contestants upon arrival to the hotel in London.
You can catch a glimpse of Sasha on arrival day in this official Miss World video!
Sasha Joyce departs for Miss World
Nassau, Bahamas (MBO) October 19, 2011 – She has represented The Bahamas as a national track and field athlete, bringing home medals and glory to the nation at the Carifta level in the heptathlon. Now, Sasha Joyce hangs up her cleats for high heels as she takes on another arena of competition – the 61st annual Miss World Beauty Pageant. Sasha left the capital all smiles on Tuesday evening, hoping to become the second Bahamian woman in as many years to advance to the final round of the world’s largest beauty competition, scheduled for November 6th in London.
Thanks to the generosity of local and international sponsors, Sasha should have a competitive edge at the pageant. Everything from fashion jewelry to shoes, daywear, cocktail, and gala dresses was provided by boutiques and department stores here in New Providence as well as in the United States. Leading the list of retailers who provided a variety of items valued in the tens of thousands of dollars was Diamonds International, who provided Sasha with a $10,000 pair of diamond earrings, fit for a queen. However, those earrings won’t outshine her pearly whites – courtesy of Dr. Barry Russell at the Bahamas Orthodontic Center and Dr. Kenworth Newbold at The Smile Center who together gave our queen a $5350.00 smile. Making sizeable donations to her wardrobe were Patricia Chatti of Cia Monet, who donated more than $3,000 worth of clothing and accessories; and the boutiques Via Mare and Nassau Gals, who each contributed more than $1000 dollars worth of items. Also adding to her incredible prize package was:
The Shoe Village
The Luggage Store
Sacha Cosmetics
Coles of Nassau
Indira Moss
Sherri Hill for La Casa Hermosa
Alisha Hill
BG Haute
The Mall at Marathon
Classy Loft
Sasha wears her national dress, designed by Apryl Jasmine for Bahama Hand Prints.
Prior to her departure for London, Sasha spent a week in training with world renowned pageant coach Grace Fontecha who has a proven track record of producing winners and finalists in international competitions, including our very own Braneka Bassett who was a finalist in last year’s Miss World pageant. She also had her hair prepared by Natalie Dyson of Florida Hair Extensions.
“Words cannot express how grateful we are for the generosity of all who gave”, says MBO President Michelle Malcolm. She continued, “I would especially like to thank everyone who contributed to Sasha’s prize package, but I would like to especially thank Apryl Burrows and Ashley Lauren Kerr for providing invaluable assistance in our efforts to prepare her for the biggest competition of her life. I am confident that she is going to be a force to be reckoned with in London, and build on the success of her predecessor as she goes after the Miss World crown.”
Miss Joyce presented key pieces of her wardrobe to the media and the general public during a reception sponsored by Elements Lounge in the Mario’s Bowling and Family Entertainment Palace on Monday evening.
Contact:
Jerome Sawyer
Manager, Media Relations
(242) 502-3800
