Miss World Confederations Cup Team enjoy South Africa

Miss World Ksenia Sukhinova has returned to South Africa, where she won her title in December, to take part in a number of events in the build up to the FIFA Confederations Cup. She has been joined by 8 Miss World countries who will support the eight nations competing during the tournament (14th-28th June 2009).

A precursor to the FIFA World Cup due to take place in 2010, the Confederations Cup will see 2006 World Cup winners Italy and host nation South Africa take on continental champions Iraq, Egypt, Brazil, USA, New Zealand, and Spain.

Last November, Miss World contestants were involved in the Confederations Cup draw alongside FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke, which determined the groups the teams would play against in the first stage of the tournament. Now, Miss World representatives will appear at the closing ceremony for the competition, and attend matches across South Africa. They will also take to the ramp as part of African Fashion Week and present some of the African Fashion Awards at a star studded gala on Saturday. They will be joined on stage by legendary singer R Kelly.

Miss World’s Confederation Cup Team

Brazil: Tamara Almeida

One of the top 15 semi-finalists from Miss World 2008, Tamara grew up in Ipatinga in the state of Minas Gerais. She has been studying Law since she was 17 years old, with ambition to become a Judge. She is an incredibly active sports enthusiast, citing swimming, cycling, boxing, yoga, martial arts and volleyball as just a few of her interests, as well as being a keen dancer, particularly classical ballet, jazz, and flamenco.

Egypt: Yara Naoum

Born in Cairo, Yara excelled in her schoolwork, and has always had an interest in music, arts, dancing, writing, travelling, and shopping! She is currently studying interior design at the High Cinema Institute, hoping to graduate in the next two years, but is also willing to pursue an acting career, having recently played a major role in a blockbuster movie. Outside of her studies, Yara devotes her time to charity work for children and the elderly, and is also a keen supporter of animal rights.

Italy: Claudia Russo

Claudia was born and grew up in Messina, on the beautiful island of Sicily, where she lived and achieved an academic degree in sciences. At the age of 19 she moved to Rome where she achieved an academic degree in fashion and costume at the Academy “Koefie”, aiming to fulfil her ambition of becoming a fashion designer. Claudia will have just crowned the new Miss Italy prior to her South Africa visit.

Lebanon: Rosarita Tawil

Having grown up in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, Rosarita has been studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, hoping to continue her studies for an MBA degree and to work in the financial sector. She enjoys spending her free time swimming, dancing (especially oriental dance), listening to classical music and reading. Rosarita also made it into the top 10 for the Beach Beauty Contest during Miss World 2008. After her trip to South Africa for the Confederations Cup, she will return to Beirut to crown the new Miss Lebanon at the 2009 final.

New Zealand: Magdalena Schoeman

The current Miss New Zealand, Magdalena was originally brought up in Somerset West, on the Western Cape of South Africa, moving to New Zealand when she was young. From an early age, she excelled in ballet and dance, and swimming. Now living in Christchurch, home to the world famous All Blacks, she works as a beauty therapist, holding national and international qualifications in Beauty Therapy and Applied Aesthetics.

South Africa: Tatum Keshwar

The resident Miss South Africa, Tatum lives with her family in Durban and loves spending time in Florida Road, Morningside because there are so many great places to eat, catch up with friends and enjoy the sunshine. A graduate of the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal with a degree in Psychology, her hobbies and interests include yoga, modelling, reading, and going to the gym, and the most outrageous thing she’s ever done is para-sailing and abseiling.

Spain: Patricia Rodriguez

A semi-finalist in Miss World 2008, Patricia grew up on the small island of Tenerife, in the Canaries. Her current home is the capital, Madrid, where she combines her studies with modelling; she hopes to strike the same balance with a future business career in the fashion industry. Patricia’s favourite past-times include volleyball, reading, travelling, listening to music, playing the guitar, and dancing.

USA: Lauren Parry

Born in Washington, D.C., Lauren moved to New York after graduating from Cornell University with a degree in Communication in 2006. She is currently enjoying a career in modelling, and is also involved in the NY Cares volunteer program as a part-time tutor. As a result, she is planning on becoming a certified kindergarten teacher to realise her life-long dream of educating children. Lauren says of the trip:

“I look forward to representing the United States while travelling with so many incredible women from around the globe. In a world filled with many differing views, World Cup Soccer builds a bridge between countries and people; it’s an experience that I feel very lucky to be a part of.”[center]