Africa-Press – Seychelles. Gabriella Gonthier, who is gearing up for Miss Universe in New Orleans, USA, hosted a football tournament on Sunday afternoon at the mini-stadium in Victoria, as part of her project dubbed ‘semi colon’, for the international pageant, that will take place on January 14.
Ms Gonthier, 24, had called on local teams to come forward and register for the mini-tournament in support of those suffering with mental issues, and eight teams, comprising people of different age groups had responded.
Speaking to Seychelles NATION, the winner of the Miss University Africa Tourism 2021 title, who was appointed on June 9 as Miss Universe Seychelles 2022, said she wanted to do a meaningful project that was close to her heart.
Ms Gonthier, a football enthusiast, advocates for suicide prevention after losing her best friend through suicide seven years ago, and her godfather as well.
“These painful experiences really had an impact on my life and I want to be there for those suffering with same and who suffer in silence. I have combined my love for football as I used to be a player and my advocacy for mental health to bring these teams together. The teams are actually promoting different values such as hope, bravery, strength, solidarity and support, what are needed for mental health survivors,” said Ms Gonthier.
During yesterday’s event, those present were able to have their medical test to check their blood pressure, sugar level and BMI with the Kalpani health professionals on site.
Also in attendance was Seychelles’ first and only contestant of the Miss Universe, 27 years ago, Maria Payet, who said she wanted to support Ms Gonthier as she embarks on such a memorable event.
“I am giving her tips that she will need to be part of such a pageant, and guide her on what she could expect while in New Orleans, so that she can travel there with a little bit of knowledge and more prepared,” said Ms Payet.
Gabriella leaves Seychelles on December 17, for the Miss Universe pageant on January 14, and between now and then, she has a series of training planned including catwalk, pageantry questions, wardrobes and etiquette.
Although she is not new to the pageantry world, having been crowned Miss Regatta in 2018, winning the prize for Best Creative Costume in Miss Seychelles 2020 and winning the Miss University Africa Tourism 2021 title at the Miss University Africa Pageant in 2021, Gabriella said Miss Universe was a totally new challenge.
“Although I have taken part in other pageants, Miss Universe is different and requires a different mentality and preparation, but I am ready and willing to learn. If we remain in the competition next year, I will be doing the same for the other contestants, by grooming them and giving them tips needed for that level of competition,” she said.
Meanwhile she has called on more sponsors to come forward to support her participation at the pageant and her mental health project, as she plans to launch a website next year to assist survivors of suicide attempts.
“It will be a place where they could share their stories and experience anonymously, and seek help. So it will be a website that will sensitise and educate people about mental health in Seychelles,” said Ms Gonthier.
Meanwhile, Terry Carolla, of Telly’s Modelling Agency who is coordinating Miss Universe’s preparation locally, said everything is going according to plan, but has also appealed to sponsors to come forward and support the pageant, which he says is a national pride. He said costing for the whole pageant is around R100,000 and has thanked the sponsors that have already come forward.
“We have moved Seychelles to the biggest beauty pageant in the world via Miss Maurice, a relationship that we are still establishing, but which is going well so far. So the country needs to understand how important this representation at this level is for us. This is Seychelles getting the exposure so let us all come forward with whatever little amount you have to support Gabriella and Seychelles,” said Mr Carolla.
Ms Gonthier is the second Seychellois to represent the country at Miss Universe, which is in its 71st edition. The winner will replace Harnaaz Sandhu of India who was crowned Miss Universe 2021.
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