Preparations for the first-ever Mister and Miss Elegancy beauty pageant are underway with the gala night scheduled for January 9, at Hôtel des Mille Collines by Kempinski.

The competition kicked off in August and will see 20 young men and women vying for the title of Mister and Miss Elegancy.

According to the organisers, the pageant is a platform to encourage young men and women to follow their dreams and hone their talent.

Dr Deo Mazina, one of the organisers, said the competition is a platform to showcase talent and to build self confidence.

"We asked all the contestants to present a project proposal,” Clarisse Muhayimana, the pageant’s vice president, noted, adding that "the winners would be supported to accomplish their projects.”

The Mister and Miss Elegancy also aims to promote the Rwandan culture, beauty and elegance as well as to foster a relationship between Rwandans staying here and those abroad.

"The first three winners will be given air tickets to Belgium to interact with Rwandan youth in Belgium, among other prizes,” added Mazina.

The contestants include, Sandrine Gakuru, Nasla Umutoni, Laurence Umutoni Uwase, Ornella Irakoze, Albina Kirenga, Queen Keza, Olga Umutoni, Nasra Bitariho and D’Amour Uwase. While the male hopefuls are, Vital Kangabo, Eric Ntirushwa, Norbert Byishimo, Lewis Murangwa, Leandre Rwabizi, James Mukombozi Rutaha,Christian Shema, Jules Mbonimpa, Yvan Manzi and Chris Junior Rutagengwa.