Diving makes contestant keen to protect marine life

A PAGEANT contestant has described her diving experience as a valuable memory.
Micahleen McKenia, this year’s Miss Niugini Dive Adventure, (NDA) said it had given her an appreciation of preserving the environment.
“I didn’t know the ocean would be this beautiful, after diving and experiencing this pristine environment, I want to help protect it,” she said.
McKenia embarked on her first dive with instructors from NDA, “a way to make her understand what she would represent,” said Tetsuya Nakamura, NDA’s dive instructor.
Both Nakamura and Nacanieli (Nathan) Yavala, NDA’s chief dive instructor, said they were proud to share Micahleen’s first dive.
“It is always a great honour when we take divers out to sea for the first time, to see how their faces brighten up, the feeling is priceless,” Yavala said.
McKenia and Miss Madang Resort Dominica Wuliyelo, will both contest with several others, for the crown of Miss Madang 2020.
McKenia added that her first dive had given her something to talk about for her “slogan presentation” during the pageant night on July 24.
“Because of this experience, I have chosen the slogan of the value of experience, under the topic of tourism,” she said.
“Experience instils appreciation in a person’s heart where local Papua New Guineans, through diving, will show their appreciation towards the sea by preserving its pristine beauty.”