Contestants gathered from all over the state for a very special pageant in the Valley Saturday. It’s the 2009-2010 Ms. Wheelchair Virginia pageant.
The event was held at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville to celebrate the accomplishments of Virginians with disabilities.
Contestants say it’s a great way to get together for a good time, while inspiring and motivating others.
Contestant Emily McGrail says, “I like the camaraderie of all of us ladies getting together and showing that we are not giving up and we’re ready to compete and see what we can do.”
Joan Manley from Lexington, Virginia is this year’s winner.
She hasn’t let a spinal cord injury she suffered from a car crash slow her down. Manley regularly speaks to different groups across the state about living with her disability.