A Co Derry girl has been chosen to represent Ireland in an international beauty pageant in China.
Alicia Nash, 8, held her first competition in 2019, alongside her mum Sarah Jane Skal, who was very proud of her daughter’s efforts.
The couple decided to participate in separate classes of the Shining Light Pageant that took place in the city before the pandemic to help build their confidence.
Sarah Jane, 28, told Be that she wanted the couple to participate in the contest because it raises money for mental health issues and raises awareness.
She said: “For the first time in 2018, Alicia raised all the money before her first competition, which was held here in Derry. Her philosophy is to raise awareness for mental health and raise money for mental health and suicide prevention charities.
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“It wasn’t really your typical beauty pageant. Her manager decided she wouldn’t wear a bathing suit or give an interview or anything else that would make people uncomfortable, but still give them a chance.
“We both have to participate in March. Alicia is a finalist in the Mini category and a finalist in the Brilliant Shining Light category.”
Derry’s mother added, “Alicia and I started in 2019. I wanted Alicia to share as I thought it would be a good way to get her self-confidence back and given the mental health aspect, that was also very important to her.
“I myself am concerned about mental health issues and want to get rid of the stigma. I thought it was so good that it was incorporated.
“It was so cool, I never imagined I could go up on stage.”
Sarah Jane said she felt proud that her 8-year-old daughter had raised funds to help change.
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“Through competitions, Alicia has learned to help others in charitable activities. From the day she started, she created her annual Children’s Christmas Gift Order at our local hospital. It was his third year.
“It all started when he found the love to help others. It was great this year and we had a lot of games. It was awesome. The local community made a donation.”
Derry’s mother added that she wanted to break the stigma that sometimes surrounds beauty pageants.
“[Some views of beauty pageants] It’s a complete lie. I thought to myself that they were all petites and tiaras as seen on TV, but in reality they are not.
“It’s a sense of community. I still talk to the people who took part in our first ever competition and they are my closest friends. I’m with you, it’s more like family than anything else.
“Get money, go out and do community services, it’s not just about looks. There is an element of personality and community spirit and fundraising. There is always someone who can help you. It is all a matter of support.”
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Global Kids will be held in Sanya, China, the date will be confirmed, and it will be Alicia’s first international competition.
When it was revealed that Miss Shining Light’s director of Ireland’s Miss Deere’s baby was named, Sarah Jane said she was “overwhelmed”.
“He was fantastic. It is a chance for him to go represent his country. I am a proud mother.”
The primary school girl added, “I’m so excited. I love helping others and competing because I make more friends and I love my mom and me.” [did the first one] together or together. It helped build my confidence when I got on stage.”
Sarah Jane and Alicia have also decided to create the Miss Global Hope competition, which will take place on August 14, 2022 in Derry.
Source: Belfastlive
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