Geelong sporting stars back growing stadium wellbeing event

Geelong United Basketball's Meadow Chappell, Geelong Cougars' Kiahna Fallon, Geelong Cats AFLW player Claudia Gunjaca and Geelong Cricket Club's Meika King are lending their support to this year's Serenity in the Stadium. Photo: Pam Hutchinson.

After growing from 250 participants to more than 400 in just two years, Serenity in the Stadium has set its sights on an even bigger crowd in 2026.

Organisers are hoping 800 people will take part in the community wellbeing event at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday 11 October, almost double last year’s turnout.

Now in its third year, the event brings the Geelong community together for a morning of yoga, movement, mindfulness and connection in recognition of World Mental Health Month.

A collaboration between Read the Play and Active Geelong, the event aims to highlight the role physical activity, social connection and mindfulness can play in supporting mental health and overall wellbeing.

This year’s event has drawn support from across Geelong’s sporting community, including Geelong Cats AFLW player Claudia Gunjaca, Geelong United Basketball’s Meadow Chappell, Geelong Cricket Club’s Meika King and Geelong Cougars’ Kiahna Fallon.

Read the Play general manager Michelle Gerdtz said their involvement reflected the strong connection between sport, movement and wellbeing.

“Sport has such a powerful role to play in bringing people together, and that’s exactly what Serenity in the Stadium is about,” she said.

“Having some of Geelong’s local female sporting stars involved shows just how connected our local elite clubs are to this event, and to the message that looking after your wellbeing matters.

“We can’t wait to welcome the community back to the stadium in October.”

Wonder Yoga’s Sally Ferris will lead a one-hour yoga and mindfulness session on the stadium turf, with participants of all abilities encouraged to take part.

Organisers are also hoping to attract more workplace teams and sporting clubs as the event continues to broaden its reach across the region.

The proceeds from the event will help fund Read the Play’s mental health education programs in local sporting clubs and support Active Geelong’s work to build a more active and connected region.

For more information or to register, visit serenityinthestadium.com.au