Proving that anything is possible, Shumeez Scott, an 18-year-old Capetonian with Down syndrome, was crowned the winner of the first-ever Magnificent Women Icon (MWI) Phenomenal International Pageant for Special Needs People held in Gambia last weekend.
In an official statement on social media, Scott’s mother Bahia Janodien expressed her pride.
“Today I have the honor as a proud mother in announcing MWI Phenomenal miss International 2018 /2019 Shumeez Scott. I would like to give special thank you to MWI international, the sash company, Chicago pearl for honouring Shumeez with this beautiful crown and sash.”
Scott, who has a modelling contract with Ace Model Agency International in Cape Town, has been taking the world by storm and inspiring many, winning local and international beauty pageant titles. In 2018 in Mumbai, India she was crowned South Africa’s MWI Miss Phenomenal during the 2018 MWI International Gala.
MWI, a United States-based company, offered Scott a modelling contract.
Scott met with both Executive Mayor Dan Plato and Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith. Plato has praised Scott for her achievements.
“Shumeez is special young person. Her story is inspirational and she holds the potential to be a true role model for other people who are differently-abled and an ambassador for the Down syndrome community in particular. She is fortunate to have such wonderful support from her family,” he said.
Janodien said that Scott wants to make an ever-lasting impression on the world and change stereotypical ideals and views of beauty.
“Shumeez wants to change the face of beauty. She wants to change the views that exist about the perceived limitations of Down syndrome. Parents must be proud of their children and allow them to live their dreams irrespective of their circumstances,” she said.
In addition to her modelling achievements, Scott has also had academic success: in 2017 she passed her matric exams after completing her schooling career at Goodwood’s Filia School.
Janodein and Scott have started up a foundation to assist others with Down syndrome.
Also read: Local model with Down syndrome inspires many
Picture: Shumeez Scoot, Facebook