Sliders ready to brave the ice at Big Freeze Geelong

EXCITEMENT is brewing within the Greater Geelong community for this weekend’s second annual Big Freeze Geelong, with all sights set on raising more than $100,000 for the FightMND foundation.

A total of 17 sliders will brave the ice in their best costumes this Sunday (June 4) at Drysdale Recreation Reserve during the BFNL clash between Drysdale and Newcomb, with funds to go towards finding a cure for motor neuron disease (MND).

Big Freeze Geelong co-organiser Graeme Reid said the excitement was high heading into the second annual fundraiser.

“The last week has been very busy putting all the final pieces together, but everyone involved is so keen to make this the best day ever, it is very exciting!

“We have a total of 17 brave sliders going into the icy waters this year and each of them have been busy raising funds and awareness for the fight against the MND beast.

“Many of them have personal experiences and all are excited to be contributing, including our ambassadors Sam Moorfoot and James Breust have been leading the way.

“Last year we raised $62,000 and it would be great to match or beat that to support the FightMND cause.

“We are hoping to get a crowd of 4000 Geelong community members down there and can’t wait for the day!”

The sliding will officially kick off at 1:20pm and will take place in between the seniors and reserves grade football and just after the conclusion of the A grade netball.

This Saturday’s sliders include:

Sarah Martin – Drysdale Netball Club

Peter Preece – Drysdale Football Club

Matt Farrow – Newcomb Football Club

Trent Sullivan – City of Greater Geelong

Ed Wilson – AFL Barwon

Andrew Bews – Geelong Cats legend

Mark Hyland – Bay 93.9

Lisa ‘Milly’ Millard – Bay 93.9

Sarah Allwood – Newcomb All Abilities FC

Ashleigh Sonego – Leisure Network

Dave Sykes – Drysdale Cricket Club

Jess Case – Drysdale Football Club

Chloe Sheer – AFLW Cats player

Makayla Bowen – AFLW Cats player

Ben O’Halloran – Marand Engineering

Lucy Wright Smith – St Thomas Primary School Drysdale

Nadja Fleet – Geelong Advertiser

While not going down the slide, organisers said that Fight MND campaign director Bec Daniher – daughter of Fight MND lead ambassador Neale Daniher – will also appear at the Geelong event.

Big Freeze beanies will be available for locals to buy at the ground, while entry to the matchup will be a gold coin donation, with all proceeds supporting the cause.

Mr Reid said locals can can also support by donating directly to the Big Freeze Geelong MND platform site.

To do so, head to https://hub.fightmnd.org.au/diy-big-freeze-9/big-freeze-geelong-2