Beauty queen vows to raise AIDS awareness

FOR once, Miss Universe didn’t promise the world.

After claiming the prestigious title, 18-year-old Amelia Vega vowed to raise awareness of AIDS sufferers during her year-long term.

The first contestant from the Dominican Republic to be crowned Miss Universe, she was cheered on by the crowd as she walked the catwalk in her diamond and pearl-encrusted crown and long white dress.

Miss Venezuela Mariangel Ruiz, a 23-year-old economics student, came second.

Third was Miss South Africa Cindy Nell, a 21-year-old management student from Johannesburg.

Vega clinched the pageant with her reply to a final question put to her: “What is the most precious gift you’ve ever given someone?”

“According to my grandmother, it was a letter I wrote to her when she was once very ill,” said Vega.

The newly-crowned Miss Universe 2003, said: “I’m so proud to be able to work with AIDS patients, to support them, maybe not as much as some people would like, but everything I can give, I will give.”

Meanwhile, Miss Ireland Lesley Flood failed to make the final stages of the competition.

But her family said she enjoyed the whole experience.

“We aren’t upset at all,” said her father Derek Flood.

“Lesley is in great form and she said it was a wonderful experience.”

Mr Flood thanked everybody around the country who had sent support to Lesley and her family.