“The difference in winning and losing is most often not quitting.” – Walt Disney
The countdown is on to the 2015 Miss World pageant! The 65th edition of Miss World kicks off on November 21st, with the arrival of the first contestants in Sanya, China, culminating with the Grand Finale on Saturday 19th December at the Beauty Crown Grand Theatre. As the country’s representative to this global summit of Beauty with a Purpose, I am equally honored and thrilled to begin this new and exciting journey.
The road to Miss World has not been an easy one. Competing three years in a row in the Miss World Bahamas pageant was a roller coaster ride of emotions to say the least, and I found myself battling with the fear of disappointment yet again against the hope of an undying dream – to compete in the world’s largest and most prestigious pageant. However, there are two lessons I’ve come to learn in life. First, I never lose. I either win or learn. And secondly, in the words of Walt Disney, the difference in winning and losing is most often not quitting. And so, I stand here today as proof positive that dreams do come true, but only if you believe and if you work at them.
As your Miss World Bahamas 2015, I pledge to continue to build on the legacy of Jody Weech and Braneka Bassett who both did this nation proud at the Miss World pageant. However, the full support of the Bahamian public is needed to accomplish this feat, and to take it even further. This year, the Miss World Organization has introduced several new challenges which more than ever before require the support of the Bahamian people.
The Beauty with a Purpose Award is at the heart of the Miss World Organization. Miss World national titleholders take part in charity projects within our respective communities and these projects are presented at the pageant. The winning project receives the Beauty with a Purpose Award which rewards many points towards our final score, however it also rewards $10,000 to the charity that the winner has been working alongside. My charity project was Runway for Relief – a fashion event which raised money for College of the Bahamas students whose families were significantly impacted by Hurricane Joaquin which devastated the southern islands of The Bahamas. I also worked closely with other national hurricane relief efforts.
The Multimedia competition has been expanded, and this is where the involvement of the Bahamian public is most needed. This year’s Miss World Multimedia Challenge has 3 elements; Social Media, National Media & Television. The judges are looking for a deep understanding of all forms of media; style, elegance and the knowledge of what interests people, the ability to interact with a global fan base, and gather support for a cause. You can help by liking my official Miss World Bahamas Facebook page and twitter accounts and taking this exciting journey with me on the Road to Miss World. Also back are the Sports and Fitness, Talent and Top Model challenges.
This year’s Miss World pageant will be the most exciting ever, with over 100 delegates competing from across the globe for the amazing opportunity to travel the world raising millions of dollars for children’s charities. Join me as I represent the Bahamas in this extraordinary event!
About Chantel
On September 13th, 2015, Chantel O’Brian captured the title of Miss World Bahamas. Chantel is a student at the College of the Bahamas where she studies marketing and is also a leading sales associate for a major retail jewelry brand. She is the official Brand Ambassador for the Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Miss-World-Bahamas-
Twitter: @MWBahamas
