A 23-year-old student from Belarus has been crowned the first ever Miss Wheelchair World.
Aleksandra Chichikova won the inaugural international beauty pageant for wheelchair users, which was held in Warsaw, Poland, on Saturday night.
She took first prize ahead of runner-up Lebohang Monyatsi, from South Africa, and Adrianna Zawadzinska, from Poland, who came in third place.
The beauty pageant was organised by the Only One Foundation, which was set up by two disabled mothers seeking to break down barriers that limit disabled people.
Aleksandra Chichikova, a student from Belarus, has been crowned the first ever Miss Wheelchair World
The 23-year-old showed off her traditional Belarusian dress during the contest in Warsaw on Saturday night
The student took the top prize in the international beauty pageant for wheelchair winners
In her contestant profile, winner Aleksandra explains: ‘I am convinced my life can illustrate that a person may be successful, strong, purpose-driven, beautiful and attractive regardless of how he moves.’
‘I really enjoy watching people change their mind and attitude towards disabled people.
‘They start to see an equal person, not someone with disability.’
The contestants presented themselves in national costumes, as well as cocktail and evening dresses.
The student showed off a stunning green evening gown during the final round of the contest
The winner waved at the crowds after being awarded the top prize, with Adriana Zawadzinska, from Poland, (left) coming in third place
Aleksandra looked emotional after being crowned the first ever Miss Wheelchair World
Adriana was seen helping Aleksandra to adjust her crown after the awards were presented
Lebohang Monyatsi, from South Africa, (pictured far left) came second place in the contest
The women also performed elaborate dance routines, some by moving their wheelchairs on their own and others with the help of assistants.
They also talked about their personal experiences, including the challenges of life in a wheelchair.
The first ever Miss Wheelchair World this year is the foundation’s first attempt to take their event to the global stage, following four previous editions of Miss Poland Wheelchair.
Lebohang looked delighted to have come second place in the inaugural Miss Wheelchair World contest
During the competition, the contestants showed off their country’s traditional dress. Pictured are Adrianna Zawadzinska, from Poland, and Rajalakshmi SJ, from India
The women also talked about their personal experiences, including the challenges of life in a wheelchair. Pictured is US contestant Jennifer Lynn Adams
Categories in the beauty pageant included Miss Individuality, Miss Smile and Miss Personality.
Katarzyna Wojtaszek-Ginalska, head of the Only One Foundation, said: ‘It is not the looks that matter the most.
‘Of course, good looks count but we have focused especially on the personalities of the girls, their everyday activities.’
The women also performed elaborate dance routines, some by moving their wheelchairs on their own and others with the help of assistants
Priya Bhargava, from India, and Alena Tiapkova, from Russia, are seen showing off their elaborate outfits during the contest
The beauty pageant was organised by the Only One Foundation, which was set up by two disabled mothers seeking to break down barriers that limit disabled people
The organisation says that every woman in a wheelchair has the right ‘to be whoever she wants and to feel beautiful’
