MISS UNIVERSE: Vancouver beauty replaced at international pageant with first runner-up

Vancouver’s Sahar Biniaz is out of the Miss Universe competition ‘due to unforeseen personal circumstances.’ Submitted photo

Vancouver’s very own Miss Universe Canada will no longer be a contender for the international competition in Las Vegas this month.

According to the Beauties of Canada website — the Miss Universe Canada chapter — Sahar Biniaz is out of the pageant “due to unforeseen personal circumstances.”

The statement released on the site still refers to Biniaz as Miss Universe Canada 2012, but states first runner-up, Adwoa Yamoah from Calgary, will be representing the country at the 2012 Miss Universe pageant.

“Beauties of Canada wishes Sahar a fast recovery to continue her duties as Miss Universe Canada and best of luck to our new representative, Adwoa,” the statement reads.

While Biniaz did not respond to media requests for information Thursday, in a past interview with Vancouver Desi, she said she plans to continue her charitable work — Miss Universe title or not.

“Regardless of what happens I will still do what I’m doing, I will still do charity work, I’ll still travel the world,” Biniaz said in an interview last week. “I don’t want to wait until I get Miss Universe to go and do all this stuff — I’m doing it now.”

RELATED STORIES:

• Vancouver beauty representing Canada will always be an activist, win or lose
• Miss Universe India Shilpa Singh to wear special creation for finale
• Farewell to Miss Universe 2011

At 27 years old, Biniaz has already travelled to 30 different countries and worked with a number of charities, like Operation Smiles and SOS Children’s Villages.

“I feel like with the Miss Universe Canada title I’ve done exactly what Miss Universe will do. I’ve travelled the world, I’ve raised awareness of the organizations I’m passionate about,” she said on Nov. 26.

Her flight was booked to fly out to Las Vegas on Nov. 28.

Miss Universe and Miss Universe Canada did not respond to media requests for information.

The Miss Universe 2012 title will be announced on Dec. 19.

Miss Universe 2012

◄ Back

Next ►

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 173

Miss Denmark 2012, Josefine Hewitt, and Timomatic make their way on stage during rehearsals on Monday, Dec. 17, 2012 at PH Live in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 89 Miss Universe contestants will compete for the Diamond Nexus Crown on the LIVE NBC Telecast of the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant set for 8 p.m. on Dec. 19, 2012. Matt Brown/AFP/Miss Universe Organization

Tags: Adwoa Yamoah, Miss Universe, Sahar Biniaz