News > 2007 > Sanya Becomes China's Capital of Adventure in the Global Search for the World's Most Desirable Man

Sanya will become the adventure capital of the World as young men from more than 80 countries compete in tests of strength, stamina and style to win the coveted title of Mr World 2007 (www.mrworld.tv). Bankers, firemen, businessmen, doctors, accountants, entertainers, students and soldiers from Europe, the Middle and Far East, the Americas, Caribbean and Asia Pacific are preparing to tackle challenges that will test their physical fitness, endurance, mental agility and style to determine the World’s most desirable man in Mr World 2007.

Contestants in the hotly contested Mr World 2007 will arrive in Sanya on China’s island paradise of Hainan on 9th March to compete in a three-week festival of adventure to test the character, determination and masculinity of the national titleholders. To be in with a chance of winning the prestigious title, the contestants will be stretched to the limits in a series of challenges devised to test fitness, fortitude and form. But it takes more than machismo and good looks to win an international title as sought-after as Mr World 2007.

What makes this contest so spectacular is the range of abilities and skills that will be tested. These guys will be judged on strength of character, stamina and determination to succeed as much as physical appearance, style and presentation abilities. The boys will be split into four groups to compete against each other in three stand-alone Fast Track events that will grant instant access to the Final on 31st March to ultimately proclaim one man Mr World 2007.

These highly-fought Fast Track stages will be Talent, Sports and Iron Man, when each contestant will face a series of physical tests, including Kung Fu, press-ups, sit-ups and other even more taxing activities. As well as these competitive contests, there will be more fun elements such as a cocktail shaking challenge, when the boys will face the task of blending the perfect cocktail to please a group of lucky young ladies.

They will also be called on to show their prowess in the kitchen with a Chinese cooking challenge, all under the skilled guidance of master chefs at the Holiday Inn Yalong Bay. Apart from competing in the series of challenges, the lads will experience and enjoy much of what Sanya such a destination for adventure-loving adrenalin junkies from around the world.

They will visit the Shaolin Temple in the mountains of Hainan to watch a stunning display of martial arts, and will be taught some of the disciplines associated with their beliefs so that they can be incorporated into their activities. They will also spend the three weeks learning the rudiments of Tai Chi, with early morning sessions at the Crowne Plaza Yalong Bay.

Back in Sanya they will visit the indigenous Li people to learn about how to climb trees and cut wood to build rafts, without harming the tree - which is a sustainable resource for these people and stands as a symbol of care for the environment, which is heartfelt across Hainan island. The question is, will they have built the craft well enough to paddle it to an island one mile into the South China Sea - if not, there's a long swim home!

The incredible list of challenges will also include thrilling water sports on the South China Sea at Yalong Bay, a 2km rain forest mountain climb in the wilds of central Hainan to test stamina and strength - but this is a race with a difference: it is up the face of a mountain! After surviving these challenges the contestants will progress to a staged final on 31st March in Sanya, the tropical gateway to China that played host to the Miss World contest for three years (2003-2005).

This lush island hideaway is an ideal location for adventure and sport, with the densely wooded mountains and stunning South China Sea providing perfect backdrops for the full gamut of experiences. At the outdoor staged final, the men will be judged on style, performance and star quality as they model menswear and undertake a series of role-play in a contemporary fashion show to impress a high profile panel of international judges from beauty, sport and entertainment.

Also, the anticipated global audience of one billion viewers will be treated to an emperor’s feast of Chinese and international entertainment, with music artistes coming from overseas to entertain the crowds.

Mrs Julia Morley, Chairman of the Miss World Organisation, which owns and operates Mr World, said: “Most people now know the beauty of Sanya because of Miss World but there is even more here for them to experience. That is what we intend to show with Mr World. We will be taking the culture of Sanya to the rest of the world. "Together with our friends at the Crowne Plaza Holiday Inn Group and The Travel Channel, we will be able to savour not only the beauty of Sanya but the excitement of Sanya through the eyes of these young men.

"The guys are strong 'James Bond' types and we want to allow them to explore and experience Sanya and all it has to offer. These guys are not just coming to stand in front of the beautiful scenery. They are not just handsome men. They are coming to Sanya to climb mountains, swim rivers, build rafts and experience the true adventure of Sanya. This is going to be the best and most exciting show we have ever done.

” On his first official engagement this week, Sanya's newly elected Mayor Li said: "I am very happy to announce that the Miss World Organisation has a new agreement with the Sanya Government. Because of the three Miss World finals held here, Sanya has been able to grow its wings and take flight as a truly international city. On behalf of the Sanya Government, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Mrs Morley and the Miss World Organisation. I hope that Sanya can help build the new brand of Mr World."

Joining them at the press conference, Director of Tourism for Sanya Madame Du reported that, as a direct result of the Miss World effect, Sanya has experienced an 83.4% increase in international tourism - the biggest ever in the resort's history. Mr World 2007 will be produced and presented in association with The Travel Channel China.

During their stay in Sanya, the contestants will stay at the official Mr World 2007 hotel, the Crown Plaza Resort, on Yalong Bay. Contestant profiles and a running diary will be available on the official Mr World 2007 website (www.mrworld.tv), allowing users to follow the progress of their favourites during their stay in China.

The current Mister World is Gustavo Gianetti, from Brazil. The winner in Sanya will be the 5th Mister World.

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