Black Press is partnering with the Miss BC, Miss Teen BC and Mrs. BC Pageant this year as its official media sponsor.

The partnership means that women interested in participating in the pageant can upload and share their information online through the contest page on any Black Press website throughout the province.

Pageant organizers will then be in touch with the applicants to provide further information leading up to the pageant weekend, which takes place July 1 to 3 at the Chief Sepass Theatre in Fort Langley.

The final pageant takes place July 3 at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public, as well as being broadcast on Shaw Television.

Black Press will cover and report on the pageant, where three women will be named Miss BC, Miss Teen BC and Mrs. BC. Other regional titles, such as Miss Fraser Valley and Miss Northern BC, will also be presented.

See video highlights from Miss BC 2015.

Creator and producer Darren Storsley emphasizes that this is not a beauty pageant, but a “development program.”

There is no maximum age limit to participate nor are there height or weight restrictions.

“There is something in this for everyone. Some girls who are on the shy side and not outgoing want this program so that they can get some skills and confidence in all the workshops and training we offer … Others are excited to be part of a huge TV production,” he said.

Photo Album highlights from 2015

“Some girls are very vocal and want a venue to share a passion … and this is a great way to get an important and passionate message out there.”

Leading up to the final pageant, all contestants receive professional training in areas such as public speaking, interview skills, media relations, modelling, manners, and even self-defence.

They also attend a leadership seminar run by female leaders in the community.

The women compete in a private judge’s interview, an on-stage interview, sportswear and evening gown presentations, a sponsor costume introduction, and charity fundraising.

The charity of the Miss BC Pageant is the Cops for Cancer Tour of the Canadian Cancer Society. Since 2007, the pageant has raised more than $250,000 for the cause.

Storsley said he is proud of the road the pageant has travelled over the years.

“In the end, it is about giving back, reaching out, creating leaders and providing a venue for women to take leadership roles across B.C.”

To apply for the competition, click here.

For more information, visit missbc.ca. The public is invited to log on and vote for their favourite contestant for the People’s Choice Award closer to the pageant date.

2015 WINNERS

Miss BC – Shatki Shunmugam of Vancouver

Mrs. BC – Shalini Gambhir of Vancouver

Miss Teen BC – Shalom Reimer of Fort Langley

Mrs. Charity BC – Zana Gray of Burnaby

Miss Fraser Valley – Kirti Singh of Surrey

Miss Greater Vancouver – Chiantelle Rey of Vancouver

Miss Lower Mainland – Questa Lee of Richmond

Miss Vancouver Island – Katelynne Herchak of Victoria

Miss Northern BC – Navneet Kaur Nanan of Prince Rupert

Miss BC Interior – Emily Henderson of Summerland

Miss Teen Lower Mainland – Nica Derakhshannia of Richmond