12 Semifinalists to Compete for Second Annual Miss Fox Sports™ Crown

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following nearly six weeks of voting online by sports fans the world over, Fox Sports today officially announced the 12 candidates advancing to the final round of the second annual Miss Fox Sports™ competition. Now, and through 9:00pm ET on December 14, 2010, fans can cast their votes for their favorite contestant at MissFoxSports.com.

“Last year’s inaugural edition of Miss Fox Sports™ was an overwhelming success and we’re excited to build on the tradition during the eighth edition of Premios Fox Sports™”

Representing Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, USA and Venezuela, the 12 semifinalists will compete in a swimsuit and evening gown competition during the LIVE eighth edition of Premios Fox Sports™ on December 14, 2010 at the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The winner will be selected based on a combination of scores from a panel of judges and total votes received online and will be awarded a one-year spokesperson contract, $7,500 in cash and prizes, and the opportunity to join Fox Sports’ prestigious team of on-air personalities and commentators.

“Last year’s inaugural edition of Miss Fox Sports™ was an overwhelming success and we’re excited to build on the tradition during the eighth edition of Premios Fox Sports™,” said Patrick Ilabaca, Vice President of Business Development for Fox Pan American Sports. “Thanks to our loyal fans and dynamic online community of sports enthusiasts, the first round of voting this year already has attracted more than 650,000 votes and over 11 million page views. We are confident that Miss Fox Sports™ will continue to grow into one of the most anticipated contests of the year.”

The following are this year’s Miss Fox Sports™ semifinalists:

Miss Argentina – Mariana Palleiro
A professional model and Miss Argentina 2009, Mariana currently resides in Buenos Aires and is passionate about her country and her culture. She is a rhythmic gymnast who considers Maradona her favorite athlete.

Miss Brazil – Fernanda Gomes
As Miss Brazil Universe 2009, Miss Rio de Janeiro 2009 and Miss Teresoolis 2009, Fernanda is no stranger to winning talent competitions. An actress and model, she is a positive and optimistic beauty who enjoys playing tennis, dancing and reading in her spare time.

Miss Chile – Stephanie Byrt Covacevich
A true jack of all trades, Stephanie is a deejay, model and interior decorator in her hometown of Santiago, Chile. She is a strong-willed, passionate and positive individual and a sports enthusiast who admires athlete Samantha Davis for her strength and grace.

Miss Colombia – Diana Jaramillo Pedroza
A philanthropist at heart, Diana believes in the greater good and hopes to use the Miss Fox Sports™ crown to touch the lives of those in need. A gymnast and avid cyclist, she admires Lance Armstrong for his athletic abilities, perseverance and philanthropic endeavors.

Miss Ecuador – Marjorie Cevallos Veras
An Ecuadorian beauty and once Miss Ecuador Mundo and Miss Renella, Marjorie currently works as a television presenter and professional model. Interested in pursuing a career in broadcasting in the hopes of becoming a news anchor, Marjorie’s favorite athlete is Olympic medal winner Jefferson Perez.

Miss USA – Emeraude Toubia
Born in Brownsville, Texas, with parents of Mexican descent, Emeraude grew up experiencing the best of both cultures. Currently a Miami resident, she loves the cultural diversity the city offers and describes herself as a hardworking and independent woman. Emeraude counts dance as her favorite pastime and particularly enjoys Ballet, Belly Dance and Flamenco.

Miss Mexico – Marliese Edelman
Currently a model, with aspirations of becoming an actress and TV host, Marliese enjoys reading, swimming and photography. Her favorite athlete is Jamaican sprinter and three-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt, who she admires for his ambition and perseverance.

Miss Paraguay – Mirian Sosa
Fluent in Spanish and Guaraní, her country’s native tongue, Mirian’s mission is to educate people about the importance of playing sports and leading healthy lifestyles. Her favorite sport is soccer and she is a fan of Club Cerro Porteño from Paraguay. An active girl herself, Mirian works out regularly and plays handball and tennis.

Miss Peru – Jamila Dahabreh
A true multitalented beauty, Jamila is a professional model, TV host and fashion designer. Named Miss Hawaiian Tropic Peru 2009, Jamila describes herself as a sociable and driven person. Running and belly-dancing are some of her favorite hobbies.

Miss Puerto Rico – Vanessa De Roide
Born and raised in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Vanessa is inspired by the arts. She aspires to be a TV host, and loves to sing, dance and model. Vanessa, an extroverted, funny and intelligent student, wants to be a role model for younger girls. Her favorite athlete is world champion surfer Kelly Slater, which comes as no surprise since she loves to go to the beach.

Miss Uruguay – Natalie Yoffe
Not only is Natalie a professional model and radio host, she is also studying to become a lawyer. During her time off, you can catch her at the movies, the gym or reading biographies from people of other cultures. She enjoys the theater and plans on continuing her studies next year. Natalie considers Diego Forlán as one of the best soccer players in the world and admires him for his excellence both on and off the field.

Miss Venezuela – Romina Ladera
Named Miss Teen Venezuela in 2001, Romina is currently a model and aspires to be a TV host. Some of her pastimes include playing volleyball and basketball, reading and traveling. She admires Venezuelan soccer player Tomás Rincón for his drive and determination.

The 12 semifinalists were selected by receiving the most votes among the qualified candidates at MissFoxSports.com. The first round of online voting kicked off on September 20 and featured 36 contestants from throughout South America, the Caribbean, North America and Central America.

Viewers to Cast Votes via Internet

Also starting today and through December 14, fans will be able to participate in this year’s event by casting their vote online at PremiosFoxSports.com for the Viewers’ Choice Awards recognizing the best goals scored during the 2010 editions of Fox Deportes and Fox Sports Latin America’s marquee soccer tournaments. Viewers’ Choice Awards will be awarded for the Best Goal of the UEFA Champions League, Best Goal of the Copa Santander Libertadores and Best Goal of the InterLiga™.

Additionally, Fox Sports has partnered with a variety of companies for corporate sponsorship for the upcoming eighth edition of Premios Fox Sports™. Returning sponsors this year include Nextel, Banco Santander, Corona, and Liverpool, official sponsor of the pink carpet. First-time sponsors include Lenovo, Pemex and Nissan, the official car of Premios Fox Sports™.

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 39 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 Deportes and Fox Sports Latin America, is an international sports programming and production entity jointly owned by HM Capital Partners LLC and News Corporation's (NASDAQ: NWS) Fox Sports International.

Premios Fox Sports™, now in its eighth edition, is Fox Sports Latin America’s 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 eighth annual Premios Fox Sports™ awards ceremony on December 14, 2010 at the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The show will be telecast LIVE to more than 39 million households through Fox Deportes in the United States and Fox Sports throughout the Spanish-speaking Americas.

About Ganley Foundation

The Ganley Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, educates communities about depression and challenges the stigmas that prevent proper intervention and treatment. In 2004, the Foundation launched its Crusade for Awareness™ campaign to promote mental health by educating youth, parents, and professionals about depression. For more information, please visit ganleyfoundation.org.