Jimmy’s Pageant Page
talks
with
Darren Storsley
Mr. Canada Manhunt 2003-2004
JIMMY STEELE: Hey Darren! You're heading off to Manhunt International in a few days' time. Are you excited?
DARREN STORSLEY: You can't begin to imagine how excited I am!
JS: Great stuff. Tell us, what made you decide to enter the Mr. Canada Manhunt contest?
DS: I am honored to have been chosen to represent Canada at the Manhunt International competition in Busan, Korea.
My ultimate reason for entering the competition was to compete in a personal battle against my own self. I
have struggled with my self-esteem for many years. I was the kid bullied in
high school and never liked the way I looked. Entering this competition was
to prove to myself that I have finally reached a level of confidence where I could proudly say, "This is me, this who I am and I am finally proud of how I look and who I am as a person."
JS: Cool stuff. You've had quite a long wait to take part in Manhunt International; it's been almost two years since you won the national title. Are you still as excited and enthusiastic to take part in the event now, despite the delays?
DS: I am still very excited to enter the contest, despite the delays. Actually, the delays have made me even more excited. I have worked very hard for
this. My entire summer has been spent eating nothing but tuna and
vegetables! (laughs) Okay, so there was that one weekend where I ate a pizza and not one, but yes, TWO boxes of ice cream...
JS: I hope it was Chunky Monkey or something really tasty...
DS: Come on, it was Smarties ice cream; how could you say no to that! Anyway, I've been working out twice a day at the gym
and learning about the languages and cultures of the countries who will be represented in Korea. I don't think I have worked harder for anything in my life.
JS: You're a teacher, and I understand your students and school community have been quite supportive of your participation in these
events. Tell us about it.
DS: For sure. My students are so excited for me. They are very proud of me and they
have given me the confidence to compete. Throughout each school year I
believe in them, and now, they believe in me. From helping me design my
National Costume, to helping me learn new languages, to giving me tips on just
about everything imaginable, I am so grateful to them. Many of them have
given me letters and cards that I have been instructed not to open until I board
the plane to Korea or until just before I walk out on stage on the final
night. I have never felt this loved or supported.
JS: What are you most looking forward to about your week in Korea?
DS: There is a lot that I am looking forward to. The most, though, is meeting
people from all around the world. I usually cry when I watch the opening or closing ceremonies of the Olympics, because of how beautiful it is to
see all these nations getting along. I think this will be similar to the
Parade of Nations at this pageant. I am so proud of Canada, and to know that
I represent the most amazing country in the world. It's very overwhelming.
JS: What's your national costume like?
DS: My National Costume is a large representation of our flag. Wearing a
cape, with my arms extended, the flag falls down behind me, with a large
maple leaf displayed on my front, covering my chest and going down to my
knees. I am also wearing white mukluk boots to represent Canada's Inuit People.
I am proud of this costume because to me the maple leaf represents us, a nation
where its people can live in freedom and peace.
JS: You have been involved in pageants as a whole for many years. Tell us about your connections to pageants for women.
DS: I direct Teen and Miss Pageants in B.C., which lead to the Miss
World Canada title.
JS: Hey, I know that contest!
DS: Exactly! I believe pageants are a venue for our nation's youth to
express themselves and to identify and act upon community, provincial and national issues that affect them.
JS: Do you have any advice for other guys out there who are interested in representing Canada at Manhunt International?
DS: The advice I would give is similar to how I teach my students and how I
live my life: have respect for others, keep an open mind, don't being afraid to try
new things, believe in yourself and put the needs of others before
your own. I live my life according to my definition of quality, which is
"Taking what already exists and improving upon it." Keep this in mind, and I think any guy who participates in Mr. Canada Manhunt will take home the title.
.
JS: Rock on. Any last words?
DS: Yes, one last thing, and this really means a lot to me. I want to encourage all Canadians to become involved
in their community. Volunteering for local charities and community events
is helping our world more than we can imagine. The world's biggest
problems can be solved through accepting everyone as they are, understanding
that what makes people different is also what makes people beautiful. The
more we show love and compassion to our neighbors, the closer we are to
global peace and happiness. True beauty exists only on the inside. Although
the pageant I am competing in is focused primarily on outward beauty, we
can all win our "everyday inner beauty pageants" by being there for our fellow
human beings. And, most importantly, thank you, Canada, for all your support.
JS: Good stuff. Have a safe trip, and good luck!