By Emma Kakololo
WINDHOEK
Miss Namibia, Marichen Luiperth, is currently in Sanya, People’s Republic of China to prepare for the 2007 Miss World beauty pageant on December 1.
Luiperth left for China at the beginning November and according to her sister Brigitte, Marichen feels the competition is quite tough but that the final product will give the crowd its money’s worth.
“She said the competition is of a quite high standard, but says she will give it her best shot and make Namibia proud. She also had a cold, but now she feels much better now.”
A total of 106 nations are participating in the pageant, making it the second largest ever – tying with Miss World 2003.
Unlike the 2005 and 2006 competitions, Miss World 2007 will not have continental zones in the selection of the semi-finalists, with all the contestants vying for the 10 semi-finals spots this time.
Participants will also compete for five spots in the Beach Beauty, Beauty With A Purpose, Sports, Talent, and Top Model contests.
The format is similar to that used in Miss World 2004, with the exclusion of the Contestant’s Choice award.
The 106 contestants recorded the official torch relay anthem Light the Passion, Share the Dream for the 2008 Olympics Games, a collaboration between the Beijing Olym-pic Committee and Miss World Ltd. The song will first be broadcast to a global audience at the 57th Miss World final on December 1.
While getting ready for the big night, participants will visit a number of popular spots on Mainland China, including viewing the preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Last week the contestants visited one of the Seven New Wonders of the World and the most famous landmark in China, the Great Wall.
According to a statement by the pageant organisers, there were gasps as it first appeared in view of the coaches carrying the Miss World contestants.
“The dramatic scene simply took the breath away as the Great Wall, built over hundreds of years to protect China from invading Huns, Mongols and other tribes, snaked its way up and down mountains and across valleys,” the statement says.
“Construction started as early as the 7th century B.C. and one could only marvel at how it was built.
“The Wall climbed sharply up the side of a hill, a stunning sight on a beautiful morning with a clear blue sky overhead, making it hard work for the contestants as they tackled the ascent. There were regular stops as small groups paused to admire the awe-inspiring views.”
Halfway up, one group of contestants stopped to sing the Olympic Torch Anthem and later a second group did the same.
“The song rang out across the historic landscape and drew crowds of tourists to listen. After a good hour on the Wall, it was time to return to the coaches for the journey back into Beijing.”