Few Rhode Islanders have enjoyed as much success in beauty and brawn competitions as Johnston’s Gina Sabitoni-Arakelian.
When it comes to competing in beauty pageants, Sabitoni-Arakelian is second to none. She still takes pride in the Mrs. Rhode Island America title – which included competing for the national title – she won a few years ago.
A few weeks ago, Sabitoni-Arakelian added more prestigious titles to her personal resume, which now includes winning first place in the Elite Powerlifting Federation’s National Champions held at the Ramada Inn in Seekonk.
She won first place in the Masters and Open Divisions while also being judged the Women’s Division Best Overall Powerlifter. Sabitoni-Arakelian took home the championship belt that her trainer George Lazzareschi said “was without question a well-earned honor.”
“Gina works hard at everything she does,” Lazzareschi offered. “Who would’ve ever thought she won beauty titles then went to powerlifting and won again? She dead-lifted 275 pounds, squated 250 pounds and benched 110 pounds during the nationals.”
Lazzareschi – who is president of Big Dog Powerlifting, which trains at the Ocean State Gym on Mill Street in Johnston – added: “It’s safe to say Gina is the Princess of Powerlifting.”
However, that’s only half the story about Sabitoni-Arakelian, who is also known for helping children in need and as a highly respected fundraiser.
For example, the Elite Powerlifting Federation’s event raised funds for The Autism Project, which is based in Johnston.
Perhaps her greatest personal triumph came when she and her daughter Giavanna – Miss Rhode Island America Teenager –heard about Brynn Tobin, 4. Tobin had two brain surgeries after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called anaplastic ependymoma.
“I was touched by her story,” Sabitoni-Arakelian said. “Here was a little girl who had surgery for a highly malignant and rare form of brain cancer, who had successful surgery, only to have that disease come back and require more surgery.”
Sabitoni-Arakelian wanted to do something special for Brynn. She contacted the Borderi family, which manufactures all crowns for the Miss USA, Miss America and Mrs. America pageants, and asked if they could make a real crown for Brynn.
Moreover, Arakelian-Sabitoni – who once won a bout with cancer – learned that people in Coventry were holding a “Princess Day” for Brynn to raise money for out-of-state treatments and thought having a real crown would bring joy to 4-year-old.
When the Borderis learned about the story, they made the crown and refused to accept any payment from Sabatoni-Arakelian.
“They personally gave the crown to me to present to Brynn,” said Sabitoni, whose eyes filled up with tears. “It was a heart-felt feeling for sure.”
Moreover, she purchased a basket with many princess items from fellow Johnston resident Maria Manfredo of Baskets by Maria and bought a gift card for Brynn to have a manicure at Nails in Detail. She also raised an additional $500 for the Tobin family.
So, Sabitoni-Arakelian took her two children also to the Princess Day for Brynn and explained: “I always love to have my children give back and to help those in need; it truly helps your heart feel good.”
She later learned that that Brynn has come back from experimental surgery, and as Sabitoni-Arakelian said: “So far, so good. Let’s all keep Brynn the Brave in our prayers.”
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