(Seychelles News Agency) - The Miss Seychelles beauty pageant is now scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 26 at the Avani resort at Grand Anse on the western side of Mahe, the organiser said.

Last month at the unveiling of the 14 contestants, Terry Carolla, the organiser, had announced that the pageant would take place on July 29 with the venue yet to be decided.

Carolla said Wednesday that the change of date  “is simply to give the contestants more time to better prepare. They have such a heavy programme, in which we’re meeting every day.”

“Their schedules cover communication-answering questions, etiquettes, body language, traditional dances, catwalk practice, language, skills for the camera, grooming, and project review among others," he added.

The Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort and Spa will be hosting the pageant and Carolla said, “Avani has a lot of experience in organising different activities and has ample space, and can accommodate the right amount of persons for the contest.”

This year’s beauty pageant will be done under the theme ‘Miss Seychelles Another World -- Labote Seselwa - The pearl of Seychelles.’

The contestants -- aged from 17-25 -- are Keisha Pereira, Serah Jumaye, Seychelles Worth, Ralista Hortere, Tracy Francoise, Joanna Pouponneau, Stephie Bastienne, Hillary Joubert, Petra Tamatave, Nerli Haide, Nancy Esparon, Ella Marie, Falaine Dora and Angie Desnousse.

Carolla explained that Wednesday’s event was an opportunity to introduce and thank the sponsors, the partners and the groomers involved in the contest. JOUEL, a local jewellery, remains the main sponsor for the most prestigious pageant of Seychelles, a group of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean.  

Local seamstresses, tailors and designers are being called upon to sponsor the contestants for their beach, casual and evening wears as this year the organiser is putting emphasis on Seychelles made attire.

Last year, Christine Barbier won the Miss Seychelles Another World title ahead of 11 other contestants.