Article: Courier Mail (Brisbane), Monday 2nd July

Celebrity showdown

IT was billed as the Buffalo Celebrity Stampede Against Racism, although it was more like a wounded waltz.

Yesterday at Suncorp Stadium some well-known, and not-so-well-known faces took up the fight against discrimination.

The result was a 1-1 draw although Biggest Loser Big Wal, top right, had a penalty shot at goal for the opposing side – that's the sort of game it was – close to full-time, which was saved.

At least Wal can say after the 1-1 result, with that girth anyway, the former Biggest Loser was actually the biggest drawer on the day.

Former Olympic darling Cathy Freeman, above with rugby league legend Steve Renouf, started both halves, although her Harmony Hotspurs captain Ranger Stacey was a sideline ranger for most of the game.

She entered the game just before full-time, as did her opposing captain Olympic silver medallist Tatiana Grigorieva as did every player, which brought together all 39 participants on the pitch.

"That's the first time I've played soccer. It was a good experience. It's a great cause," Cathy told Qconfidential.

It was a pretty committed lot, which included actor William McInnes, author Nick Earls and singer James Blundell, who participated in the event.

The only withdrawal was Lion Jason Roe who had to pull out on the advice of the club's medical division