Bikini Jam Week 2006

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Ujena Bikini Jam Week 2006 Starts
*Bikini Model Image Awards Sept. 3*

Models Sarah Ponce, Karen Delaney-Wolverton, Connie "Bikini Girl," Anita Hart, Tara Wood, and Jenna Morasca have been selected and will be presented the Bikini Model Image Award in Puerto Vallarta on Sept 3, 2006. Last week here in Puerto Vallarta, one of the production assistants confirmed that there will be surprises: "We've confirmed Joe Francis of 'Girls Gone Wild' fame will be in attendance with two celebrities, possibly Lindsay Lohan and another," he said, adding that the inauguration will take place at Collage, Tuesday, August 29. As well, our source said, "tennis star Anna Kournikova and actress Salma Hayek" are strong possibilities for the event.

Puerto Vallarta will host the 1st Annual International Bikini Model Image Awards which is part of the 21st Annual International Bikini Jam Week 2006 (Aug 29 - Sept 4). Some 150 bikini models and photographers from over ten countries will be competing. Hosting the Bikini Model Image Awards will be comedian Brian Vermiere, and actress Kristina Huges. Tickets go on sale at the Ujena Desk today, Aug. 28 at the NH Krystal Hotel.

"The Bikini Model Image Awards will be a very unique event," stated director Bob Anderson. "It is an event honoring bikini models and showcasing how the bikini, a simple fashion garment has grown into one of the most powerful marketing tools in the world. Well known figures will be receiving awards."

Bob Anderson is the owner of one of the most successful swimwear companies in the world. He founded the Ujena swimwear company in 1984. Prior to Ujena, at age 17, he started Runner's World magazine and built it into a $30 million dollar company reaching over 490,000 paid circulation worldwide. He has been developing the idea for the Bikini Model Image Awards over the last three years.

"We will be presenting six women," stated Bob Anderson, "the Bikini Model Image Award for outstanding achievement in modeling, entertainment, business, or athletics. Each has modeled the bikini and feels this experience has helped advance their career."
"Bikini modeling helped me get into what I love to do," stated Anita Hart. "I worked with Pamela Anderson on a swimwear video in Bora Bora...I did a high dive out of a helicopter into the ocean...I would be most excited to return to Puerto Vallarta in September to receive the Bikini Model Image Award."

Bob Anderson announced these six models at a special dinner in San Francisco, and was here in Puerto Vallarta a couple of months ago with Catherine Cross, public relations director.

"The Bikini Model Image Awards is much more than just an awards show. It's part of the Puerto Vallarta International Bikini Jam Week 2006 and the 21st Annual Ujena Bikini Jam featuring location photo shoots, the Puerto Vallarta International Ujena 5k Run/Walk, nightly parties and fashion shows," said Cross.

The Ujena 5k Run by Rockstar is unique. It is the only race in the world that features bikini models along with elite runners. Fitness is a very important part of modeling and photography. Contestants in the Bikini Jam are required to compete and earn valuable points by finishing.

"I am glad Bob requires the models to run the 5k...fitness and modeling go together. I have participated in the Ujena 5k four times. Just recently I have been asked to be a Ujena staff model...I know it will be hot in September but I am returning and will be ready to run," Martha Gonzales stated.

"This will be the 19th year we have held the Ujena 5k in different cities including Cancun, Cabo and San Francisco. I have run in all of them...I hope to run under 20 minutes this year," Bob Anderson said.

"This year's Ujena 5k is going to be the biggest ever. I am expecting over 700 runners. A portion of all entry fees will be donated to Cruz Roja Mexicana (Red Cross). Bob is hoping to raise a lot of money...he will also make his own personal donation," stated race director Carlos Arceo who created the famous PV International Half Marathon.

"We first worked with Cruz Roja last year in San Jose del Cabo...their funds have been very stretched recently...the hurricane in Cancun was terrible...Cruz Roja was there to help. Whatever we can raise will be well used," stated Bob Anderson.

Over 200 models and photographers from all over the world will be competing for the Bikini Model of the Year and the Bikini Photographer of the Year awards presented by Ujena Swimwear at the Bikini Model Image Awards.

The genius behind the Bikini Model Image Awards reaches far beyond the potential worldwide exposure it will attract.

"We are also inviting companies who are recognized and well known for incorporating the natural attraction of the bikini into their business success.

All of these companies will share this common thread and all will also have the opportunity to build a powerful promotional campaign around finding their very own Bikini Model Image Award winner," stated Bob Anderson.