Family Feud volleyball team with Peter Marr (third from left) inspiring a family reunion for the Pan Pacific Masters Games. Photo: Risa Utama
Saturday 3 November
By Risa Utama
Volleyball Queensland founding father Peter Marr has put his personal health challenges aside to play in a special family team at this year’s Pan Pacific Masters Games.
The 69-year-old convenor of the volleyball competition being held at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January but has continued playing volleyball to stay active and positive.
At the Pan Pacs, Peter has joined forces with his daughter Debra Turner and sons Pete and Anthony from other parts of Australia to form the Family Feud team.
“I’ve got cancer and it’s terminal but hopefully I have a couple of years left in me,” Peter said.
“Next year I will be honoured with 50 years of service as the founder of volleyball in Queensland.”
Peter’s three children have followed in his footsteps, each playing at representative level in the sport and inspired by their dad’s passion.
“Dad is fighting his own battle at the moment but he’s still here at the Pan Pacs keeping fit and healthy,” Debra said.
“This is his third time running the Pan Pacs volleyball as convenor – it’s his pride and joy,” she said.
“He has shown such courage and strength in his fight and is still giving to others. What a champion!”
Despite his health battle, Peter has been playing an integral part in Family Feud with the team having won four of their first five games.
“Dad has lost strength since starting chemo but we have brought him out anyway and won four games in a row. He is absolutely stoked!” Pete said.
“We are proud of him putting in so much love into the sport so everyone has a good time.
“He has a very positive attitude and still loves to tell dad jokes.”
Peter Marr serves up success for Family Feud. Photo: Risa Utama
The Pan Pacific Masters Games bring the Marr family together every two years for a sporting reunion.
“We see each other at Christmas time, birthday time and Pan Pacs time,” Pete said.
“It’s our time to get together as a family since we all live in different areas,” he said.
“This is Dad’s favourite time of the year. He has sent us emails every week for the past six months with Pan Pacs updates.”
The Marr family is already looking forward to their fourth Pan Pacific Masters Games in 2020.
“It’s a long-standing tradition of ours and we’re going to continue coming back,” Pete said.
