MWVA

Contestant Requirements:

* MUST BE A WOMAN between the ages of 21 and 60;
* marital status does not matter;
* must use a wheelchair for 100% of her public mobility;
* must be a resident of Virginia for the last 6 months;
* must demonstrate effective communication skills;
* must be available to travel throughout the state as a representative for people with disabilities;
* must have a platform of advocacy.

As Ms. Wheelchair Virginia:

* MWVA does get a crown and sash to wear during her year reign.

* Given an array of gifts.
* Brochures and other written material provided to her to distribute during her reign.
* If she chooses, will receive a living allowance.
* MWVA will represent Virginia at the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant.
* MWVA will have the esteem honor spending her year representing people with disabilities, the pageant, and all Virginians at different
engagements all over the state.

(540) 332-7905 or (800) 345-9972 ext. 7905
E-mail: Contestant Information Request

Dear Contestant,

When I thought about the Ms Wheelchair Virginia program, I was curious and interested but hesitant...could I really do this? It might be difficult and I might not win
were the thoughts that held me back while that funny little voice that each of us has (you know the one) kept reminding me, "You know you want to try". As the new
2009 Ms Wheelchair Virginia title holder, I am certainly glad I did.

If you get as far as reading this letter, I suspect that you have one of those "funny little voices" too so let me give you a nudge.

As a contestant, you will join the family of the Ms Wheelchair Virginia program and the numerous volunteers and the WWRC staff to participate in a Gala weekend of
excitement and challenge. The Gala weekend is a delicious combination of hardwork, tenacity and inner strength offset with pampering workshops and glamorous
gowns.

The weekend will challenge you to recognize your strengths and talents and present yourself to a welcoming community of individuals who will help to guide your
way. You'll prepare a Table of Life that displays your interests and achievements and gives the audience a glimpse of your world. Personal interviews and a prepared
speech will challenge you to believe in yourself and present yourself through words. Rehearsals and pampering workshops will demonstrate the support you will have
in this journey.

To be a contestant you must be a female, the age of 21 to 60, a resident of Virginia, and using your wheelchair 100% for public mobility. Each contestant must raise
$500 in sponsorship fee; this amount will cover your registration, accommodation, and meals for you and your companion for the entire stay. You can raise the money
by asking friends, family, and local businesses/groups to sponsor you. It is important to let potential sponsors know that sponsorship is tax deductible (just request a
tax deduction form from the Executive Director, Pam Cobler), that each sponsor will get their name and business listed in the gals program book, and that they are
helping enriching you so you can return to be a stronger citizen in the community.

As Ms Wheelchair Virginia 2009-10 title holder, I have had the opportunity to travel throughout our state bringing awareness about individuals with disabilities and
the need for opportunity and choice. I hope I have inspired others with disabilities to venture out, open their eyes to their choices and follow their dreams.

If you have questions and concerns about participating in the Ms Wheelchair Virginia program, please feel free to contact me. I will be happy to write or speak to you.

Yours truly,

Joan Manley
Ms Wheelchair Va 2009-2010
www.mswheelchairva.com

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