| Focus December 1, 2007
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Vanda Hadarean (top) and
Anita Kus-Roberts were the big winners at the Fall 2007 SAF Model Search.
(Photo Nov. 2007 by D. Dave Paul) |
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The Fall 2007 SAF Model Search
– Another Smashing Success!
On November 10, beautiful, athletic women from all over
Ontario and Quebec came to Ottawa to compete in the Fall 2007 SAF Model Search, our second
event this year. From all the feedback we received, we can say that this event was another
smashing success.
Our competition has two categories, Figure Model and
Fitness Model. The Figure Models have one round: Bikini of their choice. The Fitness
Models have two rounds: Swimsuit and Fitness wear, both of their choice. At the end of the
day, Anita Kus-Roberts emerged as the winner of the Figure Model category, while Vanda
Hadarean was the Fitness Model winner. Both women received a first-place trophy, a cash
prize, and great gifts. They also earned our SAF Elite status, as did all who ranked in
the top three. These new SAF Elite models will now feature prominently on our network and
other sites.
Besides crowning new winners, the Fall 2007 SAF Model
Search was a success for many other reasons. First and foremost, all the feedback I
received from competitors following the event was extremely positive, even from those who
didn’t place in the top three. To me, this is important, because although winning is
nice, it’s not everything; the experience of participating in an event of this
caliber must be just as rewarding.
Second, the standard of this competition was first-rate. In
particular, I was thrilled that it brought out brand-new competitors who had never been
onstage before, and that it also attracted well-known competitors who have competed for
some time, some of whom are very accomplished in other disciplines. For example, Vanda
Hadarean, the Fitness Model winner, was on the Romanian gymnastics team at the ’92
Olympics and is the reigning Miss Fitness Canada and Miss Fitness World. On the other
hand, Anita Kus-Roberts, the Figure Model champion, is relatively new to the world of
competitive figure, and she told me that when she entered the Fall 2007 SAF Model Search,
her first-ever modeling-type competition, she never expected to win. Her words to me after
her win were, "Well, I never saw that coming!" My response was, "As they
always say, you never know until you try." It’s important to me that at the SAF
Model Search events, veterans and rookies can compete on an equal footing.
Third, this competition attracted competitors who were
quite varied in age. Our youngest competitor at the event was 22, while the oldest was 50,
and they all looked incredible. In fact, we have a special cash prize for the best
competitor over age 35. Superbly shaped Michelle Matthews won that prize, and she also
placed second in the Figure Model category. It goes to show that these types of
competitions aren’t only suitable for women who are under 25. You can have an
attractive, athletic, healthy appearance at any age.
The success of our two shows this year means that the SAF
Model Search has quickly become established as one of the events in Canada for
fit-minded females who want to showcase their physiques. For us, this is especially
satisfying – that’s because right from the start we always knew that we
didn’t want to put on just one show like so many others do and then fade away.
Instead, we wanted to create a series of top-class, high-caliber events that feature the
very best females competing in a venue with a positive, motivating atmosphere. Based on
the outcome of these first two shows, we think we’ve succeeded. Of course, that also
means that the SAF Model Search events will carry on.
Unfortunately, there's one downside to the SAF Model
Search: Because of the scope of the event, we couldn't dedicate enough time to producing
quality content throughout site. Therefore, this month, the issue is light. However, next
month, we'll be back in full force with a complete roster of articles, including some new
recipes from Michelle Matthews, our new recipes editor (yes, the same Michelle who was the
Figure Model runner-up and was the best competitor over age 35).
Last year at this time, the SAF Model Search was a just
concept that was yet to materialize. Only one year later, we’ve had two successful
events, and we are already planning for more. The SAF Model Search is now one of
Canada’s top events for fit-minded females to gain the recognition and exposure they
deserve. So, get ready for 2008, there’s much more to come. Maybe next time you
will be the next!
...Doug Schneider
das@seriousaboutfitness.com
Photos from the Fall 2007 SAF Model Search can be found at www.SAFModelSearch.com. |
