| Focus July 1, 2007
|
Maya Avelino (top) and
Aleisha Hart were the big winners at the 2007 SAF Model Search. Maya won the Fitness Model
category and Aleisha won the Figure Model side. Both women have a healthy, athletic,
attractive and positive appearance, which is exactly what we promote on
SeriousAboutFitness.com.
(Photos June 2007 by Glen. E. Grant) |
|
The 2007 SAF Model Search – A
Stunning Success and a Significant Step Forward for Women’s Health and Fitness
Friday, June 15, was one of the most demanding days of my
life – the first-ever SAF Model Search was held that day, and I was there not just to
organize the competition, but also to ensure that it set a new standard for women’s
physique-type events. From feedback I received, I realize we not only met that target, but
we also set such a high standard that we’re going to have to work doubly hard next
time to maintain it.
The event was held at the Tribute Communities Recital Hall
in York University in Toronto. This brand-new auditorium is outstanding, with a massive,
beautiful stage and state-of-the-art sound and lighting. Those in attendance thought the
venue was incredible, and perfectly fitting for this type of event. Our MCs were Winston
Roberts, the well-known IFBB judge and show promoter, and Mindi O’Brien,
Canada’s top pro fitness competitor and the star of All About Mindi 1.
As impressive as the venue was, though, it would have been
nothing without outstanding competitors. The women who lined the stage for this inaugural
event were all stunning, and I was floored by the quality of the competition and, in
particular, how much effort they all put into their presentations. I couldn’t have
asked for more.
Furthermore, the winners were exceptional. Aleisha Hart
took first prize in the Figure Model category, while Maya Avelino took the top spot in the
Fitness Model category. Maya is featured in the "People" section this month, and
Aleisha will be featured there in August. The winner of our "Best Competitor Over
35" award was Francisca Dennis, a mother of six who literally dominated the stage
with her stunning looks and powerful presentation. Francisca was also the first runner-up
in the Fitness Model category. Francisca was already featured in an article by Alison
Aulph that was published in January,
but we’ll also be publishing more on her in the coming months.
The other competitors who made the top three of each
category were Dionne Sinclair (Figure Model, first runner-up), Sherri Fisher (Figure
Model, second runner-up), and Jaime Price (Fitness Model, second runner-up). These women
all have a healthy, athletic, attractive, and positive appearance, which is exactly what
the SAF Model Search judges look for, and are now all part of our SAF Elite model team.
At the end of the event I was tired, but I knew one thing
for sure: this was just the first SAF Model Search of many. It was simply too good to only
happen once. In fact, our next competition will be on November 10 in Ottawa, Canada. This
will once again be an "Open" event and if you’re interested in competing,
or just attending, you can find all the details on SAFModelSearch.com. In 2008, we will have not only more
"Open" events, but also our first-ever "SAF Elite" competition that
the winners on June 15 all qualified for.
Even though this first event is finished, it’s not
over yet. The winners of this inaugural event will be featured on SeriousAboutFitness.com
and on our related SAF Network sites in the months and years to come. The SAF Model Search
events are the gateway into the world of SeriousAboutFitness.com, which we envision as the
premier showcase for women’s health and fitness. Look for much more in the
future.
...Doug Schneider
das@seriousaboutfitness.com
You can find pictures from the 2007 SAF Model Search at SAFModelSearch.com. |
