Latino Sports Fans Select 10 Semifinalists to Compete for First-Ever Miss Premios Fox Sports™ Crown

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following nearly three weeks of voting online, Fox Pan American Sports LLC, producer of Premios Fox Sports™ and operator of Fox Sports en Español and Fox Sports Latin America, today unveiled the 10 semifinalists advancing to the final round of the inaugural Miss Premios Fox Sports™ competition, the first-ever sports-themed pageant recognizing the beauty and grace of female sports fans throughout the United States and the Spanish-speaking Americas. Now and through December 8, 2009 fans can cast their votes for their favorite contestant at premiosfoxsports.com.

“The response to our first-ever Miss Premios Fox Sports pageant has been overwhelming thus far”

The winner will be selected based on a combination of total votes received online and judges’ scores from a swimsuit and evening gown completion during the live telecast of the 7^th Annual Premios Fox Sports™ on December 10, 2009 at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Miss Premios Fox Sports™ will receive a one-year spokesperson contract, a $1,000 cash prize and the opportunity to join Fox Sports en Español and Fox Sports Latin America’s prestigious team of on-air personalities and commentators.

“The response to our first-ever Miss Premios Fox Sports pageant has been overwhelming thus far,” said Patrick Ilabaca, vice president of event marketing for Fox Pan American Sports LLC. “Thanks to the power of the Fox Sports brand among Spanish-speaking sports fans in the U.S. and across Latin America, our robust and loyal online community, and the interest it has sparked from advertisers, there’s no question that there will be many more editions of Miss Premios Fox Sports in years to come.”

Following are the ten contestants that will compete for the first-ever Miss Premios Fox Sports™ crown:

Miss Argentina - Vanessa

A true overachiever and Argentinean to the core, Vanessa currently resides in the United States, but is a television host for a popular television network in her home country. An aspiring actress and a part-time aerobics instructor, she is a spontaneous and charismatic beauty who enjoys traveling and aquatic sports.

Miss Brazil – Nathalia

A former Miss Fort Lauderdale and Miss Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Florida resident and Brazil native, Nathalia is a self-proclaimed sports enthusiast. She considers Pelé her favorite athlete and admires both his accomplishments on the field and philanthropic endeavors.

Miss Colombia – Gina

A California resident of Colombian descent, Gina describes herself as an intellectual and disciplined individual. A huge admirer of Lance Armstrong for his unwavering perseverance, she is a well-rounded athlete and enjoys cycling, skating and exercising.

Miss Dominican Republic – Susie

A Dominican beauty, born in New York and currently residing is Raleigh, North Carolina, Susie dreams of one day moving to Los Angeles to pursue her life-long goal of becoming an actress. A onetime Miss Hawaiian Tropic and Nuestra Belleza Latina finalist, Susie works as a runway instructor at John Casablancas and counts blackjack and dancing as favorite pastimes.

Miss Ecuador – Alessia

Fluent in three languages, Charlotte, North Carolina resident and model Alessia is interested in pursuing a career in broadcasting. An avid athlete of Ecuadorian descent who plays soccer and basketball, she also enjoys dancing salsa, merengue and ballroom.

Miss Mexico – Joanna

Athletic and originally from Mexico, Joanna currently resides in Hacienda Heights, California and aspires to one day become a television sports host and actor. She has been passionate about sports from a young age and credits soccer star Carlos Vela, who she admires for his dedication to the sport, as her favorite athlete.

Miss Nicaragua – Graciela

Currently residing in Louisiana and of Nicaraguan descent, Graciela, a consummate model and athlete, has been featured in multiple national television commercials, magazines and billboards. She was also cast as Eva Mendez’ body double in the film “Bad Lieutenant.” Graciela’s past titles include Miss 2009 Hooters International Calendar Girl and 2009 Miss Louisiana Planet Beach.

Miss Puerto Rico – Monica

An entrepreneur at heart, Monica, a Miami resident of Puerto Rican descent, is motivated and passionate about everything she does and is working on expanding her small business internationally. She considers Lance Armstrong an inspiration to all, not only for performing at the top of his game, but also for inspiring others to be the best they can be.

Miss USA – Diana

A sports fan from a very young age, Diana considers former Miami Dolphin front man Dan Marino her favorite athlete with Peyton Manning coming in at a close second. Born and raised in Miami, with parents of Cuban and Spanish descent, Diana holds a Bachelors degree in Health Science and aspires to become a nurse practitioner.

Miss Venezuela – Veronica

A former face of Lancôme, Veronica previously hosted a popular television show in her home country of Venezuela. Named Top Model of Venezuela and selected first runner up in the Ms. Planet Beach International Pageant, she is ambitious and passionate. Veronica respects favorite athlete Alex Rodriguez for his skill and success at such a young age. She currently lives in Littleton, Colorado.

The 10 semifinalists were selected from among the qualified candidates receiving the most votes at premiosfoxsports.com. The first round of online voting kicked off on November 4 and featured 29 contestants from throughout South America, the Caribbean, North America and Central America.

Premios Fox Sports™ is the first and only awards program of its kind to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of US Hispanic and Latin American athletes and personalities from the world of sports both on and off the field. This year’s awards program will be telecast live to more than 26 million households in the United States and Latin America and will benefit the Ganley Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to raise awareness about depression and suicide.

About Fox Pan American Sports

Fox Pan American Sports LLC, operator of Fox Sports en Español and Fox Sports Latin America, is an international sports programming and production entity jointly owned by HM Capital Partners LLC and News Corporation's (NYSE: NWS) Fox Sports International.

Premios Fox Sports™, now in its seventh edition, is Fox Pan American Sports’ signature annual event and the first and only awards program of its kind to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of U.S. Hispanic and Latin American athletes both on and off the field. Voted on by fans and an expert panel of judges, winners will be crowned during the official Premios Fox Sports™ 7a Edición awards ceremony on December 10, 2009 at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The show will be telecast live to more than 26 million households through Fox Sports en Español in the United States and Fox Sports Latin America throughout the Spanish-speaking Americas.