GALLERY: Mr Gay SA finalists celebrate their final week
RANDBURG – Finalists for Mr Gay SA recently met up to celebrate their final week of the competition at the Apollo Hotel and Conference Centre.
Finalists for Mr Gay SA 2015 recently met at a cocktail event held at the Apollo Hotel and Conference Centre on 22 March. The event celebrated the last week of the run of the competition, leading up to the final being held at Emperor’s palace on 28 March.
The 12 finalists mingled and spoke about how the competition has changed the way in which they look at themselves and their surrounding communities.
Johannesburg finalist Riaan Bothma (25) felt privileged to be part of this year’s competition. “It has been an amazing experience to see all the diverse people involved. Everyone is different in their own way, and brought something unique to the competition. Being part of such a group has been a humbling experience,” he said.
Bothma explained that regardless of the diverse backgrounds each of the finalist share similar goals.
”All of the finalists have similar interests but different ways of helping out through charities and their communities. Helping people to realise their full potential in their communities. The organisers have been very supportive and have looked after us throughout the whole run of the competition. It’s going to be quite sad saying goodbye to all of these guys,” he said.
Sales and marketing manager at the Apollo Hotel and Conference Centre Monique Dupont was proud to have accommodated the finalists at the hotel. “It’s been an absolute honour to host the finalist at the hotel. We wish them the very best with the final week ahead,” she said.
Managing director of the Mr Gay SA Thinus van der Walt was thrilled at the opportunity to host the final week for the finalists. “Seeing how the finalists have grown after only three weeks is phenomenal. The contestants have told me how the competition has changed their lives and how they’ve been able to change their community for the better. Our intention with this completion is to create 12 heroes. This is not going to be a week leading up to a one-winner event. This is why we have a full week to do as much good for the community as possible,” he said.
