Geelong ready for Big Freeze 4

THOUSANDS of people will pack St Mary’s Anthony Costa Oval this Sunday, June 1 for the fourth annual Big Freeze Geelong.

Fifteen sliders will brave the ice before the St Marys and St Joseph’s senior football match to raise vital funds for motor neuron disease (MND) research.

Among those sliding are Geelong Cats premiership player Zach Tuohy, Pies AFLW player Britt Bonnici, ex-Diamond Caitlin Thwaites, Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj, retired world champion swimmer Phoebe Mitchell, Paralympic gold medallist Kelly Cartwright, and Deanna Guy.

Ms Guy will be sliding on behalf of her brother John Lee, who has recently been diagnosed with MND.

Since fundraising begun, Mr Lee has raised more than $15,000 for the cause.

This year, the overall goal is to raise over $100,000 to help beat the beast.

Ambassador Zach Tuohy said he was thrilled to be involved in the cause in 2025.

“It’s an amazing cause and just as amazing to see the traction it’s gotten over the years.

“It’s obviously a pretty nasty illness and to be able to contribute in a small way is really fun. I can’t wait.”

Event organiser Graeme Reid said everything was set for a fantastic day out.

“We’ve got a great bunch of sliders this year, particularly a lot of women, reflected by the two lady presidents of both St Marys and St Joseph’s.

“A week out, we had raised about $65,000 and we are hopeful of getting up to $100,000 just prior to the event if we can.

“We’ve got different football clubs helping sell merchandise, and we’ve got the sliders raising a lot of money which is a real blessing that we are in this community.”

Sliding will begin at 12.30pm.

The day of festivities will also include netball, all abilities and women’s football matches, barbecues, food vans, and beer tents.