The upcoming McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji Sevens tournament holds special significance for Garlene Peace, a debutant for the Aussie Select 7s, as he embraces the chance to connect with his Fijian heritage. Peace, a young halfback, proudly boasts both First Nations and Fijian roots, with his connection traced back to Votua Village on the Coral Coast, where his father hails from.
For Peace, this tournament is much more than just a sporting event; it represents a profound homecoming that strengthens family ties. “My mum is Aboriginal and I’m very close to my Aboriginal family back in Australia. This trip is a great opportunity for me to strengthen my connection with my Fijian family,” he stated, expressing excitement about the chance to showcase his skills in front of family members who have never seen him play.
After making a strong debut last year, where the Australian team reached the quarter-finals, they return for their second consecutive tournament, bolstered by the support of the PacificAus Sports program. Peace is determined to seize this opportunity both on and off the field, eager to absorb the experience and learn as much as possible.
“I’m just looking forward to soaking up as much as I can from this experience, learning as much as possible, and then taking those learnings back to Brisbane to hopefully have a strong season,” he remarked. The tournament promises to be a memorable event, not only for Peace but also for the wider community, as they continue to celebrate the rich cultural connections that sports can foster.
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