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Teenager Becomes First Person With Down's Syndrome To Win World Beauty Pageant

Teenager Becomes First Person With Down's Syndrome To Win World Beauty Pageant

Kate Grant says she hopes to inspire other young people with Down's syndrome to follow their dreams.

Emma Rosemurgey

Emma Rosemurgey

A Northern Ireland teenager has become the first person with Down's syndrome to win a world beauty pageant.

Kate Grant beat off stiff competition from candidates from all over the world to be crowned winner of the Teen Ultimate Beauty of the World competition in Portadown.

The 19-year-old revealed how she entered the competition to have fun while inspiring young people with Down's syndrome to believe in themselves.

"I was in shock. My family were all in the audience, crying and cheering," she told the Mirror.

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"I sashayed down the catwalk giving it all my sass," she said of the final round, in which she wore a monochrome cocktail dress with a side split. "I just wanted to have fun and truly expected someone else's name to be called as the winner.

"Now I'll be attending photoshoots throughout the year and will be a judge and mentor at next year's final.

"Most importantly I'll be involved in an appeal where we'll deliver hundreds of toys to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. I want to give poorly children a moment of sunshine."

The beauty pageant celebrates diversity among its candidates, regardless of weight, height or marital status.

It also supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which helps fulfil the wishes of children with life-threatening conditions.

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Kate has been modelling from a young age, after being picked to take part in Belfast Fashion Week.

However, Kate's mum Deirdre revealed that it hasn't been easy for Kate to break into the industry.

Deirdre recently uploaded a photo of Kate at prom, asking her followers if it was unrealistic for her daughter to want to be a model.

The post, which has now been shared more than 26,000, was even spotted by the director of the pageant, Taylor-Rae Hamilton, who invited Kate to come and take part.

Deirdre said: "Kate said it was her dream come true to enter the pageant. Now she could make her dreams come true for other kids."

Featured Image Credit: Facebook

Topics: Life News, Real, Down's Syndrome