Beauty Photo Contest Prize-Giving Ceremony

2012-04-13

On April 6th the atmosphere in Komitas Chamber Music Hall was festive. The occasion was created by Unison, which had announced a traditional beauty photo contest among Armenian women with disabilities. The event was supported by the Paros Foundation (USA). This was already the 6th beauty photo contest and had participants from all over Armenia. Moreover, during the recent years, Armenian women living abroad have also started showing interest in the event.

The goal of this contest is more significant than that of ordinary beauty pageants. “Miss Beauty 2012” aims at representing the disability sphere from a completely different prospective, introducing the idea that anyone can be attractive and even disability can’t stand in the way of true beauty.

46 applications from women of 8 Armenian Marzes, Nagorno Karabakh and Javakhk were submitted. Contestants were numerous, but only 10 were given the opportunity to be in the final round. The jury, that comprised Jury Chairman, distinguished singer Arsen Grigoryan (Mro), singer Forsh and showman Avet Barseghyan, after a tense discussion, made its final decision. The candidacy of the first prize, however, was approved immediately and unanimously. Thus, all winners became known and were awarded at the festive ceremony in the Chamber Music Hall the day before Women’s Day.

The title of “Miss Beauty 2012” was awarded to Anahit Abajyan (Akhalqalaq). Other awards were given as follows: “Vice-Miss” - Zhanetta Hayrapetyan (Yerevan), “Miss Charm” – Qristine Piruzyan (Akhtala, Alaverdi) and “Miss Will” (Ernjatap, Aparan). Merri Mlhamyan (Norapat, Armavir) was awarded a special prize in “Miss Unison” nomination.

5 other contestants included in the top ten also received prizes. “Nushikyan Association”, that provided perfumes for the 10 beauties, selected their “Miss” right in the Hall and again stopped on Anahit Abajyan, who then was handed the special prize by Garegin Nushikyan. In my opinion, the netbook provided to Anahit Abajyan by Zigzag was also expected and desirable, as the “Miss Beauty 2012” is not only attractive but also writes philosophical books

Zigzag that is already recognized as a permanent sponsor had prepared prizes for all the winners. “Pasiflora” embellished the contest with wonderful flowers. “Mobile Centre” and “Noyyan Tapan” had also prepared some surprises. The chief sponsor of the event was the Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan, who provided cash awards for the top ten.

 The celebration was a success and there is no doubt it will lead to numerous positive changes in the lives of the winners.