By Justin Flynn
The region’s third annual Big Freeze event is on the move.
After two successful years at Drysdale, the Big Freeze is set to be held at Herne Hill Reserve before the blockbuster St Joseph’s vs St Mary’s Geelong Football League game.
The Big Freeze Geelong replicates the MCG Big Freeze, which is inspired by Neale Daniher coming up to its 10th year.
The first two incarnations of the local event were hosted by Drysdale Football Netball Club, home of Big Freeze Geelong co-ambassador James Breust, who is Neale Daniher’s nephew.
So far, the Big Freeze Geelong DIY group has raised more than $120,000
for Fight MND and drawing big community crowds.
Each year, local celebrities are chosen to make the slide into the icy water to raise funds for Fight MND.
The first slider has already been announced. Australian Diamonds and Melbourne Vixens star Emily Mannix will take the plunge.
Mannix played her junior netball at Drysdale and is one of the best defenders in the Super Netball competition.
Co-ambassador Sam Moorfoot will again be in charge of his own ‘Sam’s choice’. Last year, he nominated Geelong Cats AFLW duo Chloe Scheer and Mikayla Bowen to slide, which they did as a penguin and Spiderman respectively. Sam has raised more than $15,000 by himself for the event.
“We have a great list of local legends and sportspeople to announce in the
coming weeks,” event organiser Graeme Reid said.
“Being a Sunday event will ensure a huge crowd, as the Geelong community will show strong support. We expect a crowd of 8000 and hoping to raise $100,000 this year.”
The Big Freeze Geelong DIY team will be at the Geelong vs Richmond game at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday June 1 selling Fight MND beanies.
Big Freeze Geelong #3 is on Sunday June 2 at Herne Hill Reserve from 12.30pm.
