Melbourne United Multicultural Stories: Peter Pandak

Sport has always been something that brings people together in the life of Melbourne College of Sports Careers (MCSC) student Peter Pandak.

Born in Uganda to South Sudanese parents, Peter watched as people from all over would gather and embrace each other around competition and sport.

“Sport is really big in my culture… the biggest sport is wrestling, it’s always on TV, there are big events.

“It brings a lot of people together, people from different areas all just coming for one event once a year, it’s a big thing that everyone loves to watch.”

After moving to Melbourne in 2009, Peter and his family ensured they remained in touch with their culture through church, while welcoming all around them.

“At church, everyone is welcome from different backgrounds. We have translators who can translate into different languages.

“Each occasion like Christmas and Easter we just throw these parties and everyone’s welcome to come. It’s mainly to bring everyone together.”

Having joined the MCSC program on a Multicultural Scholarship, thanks to SEDA Group and Melbourne United, Peter is excited to see where his experiences will take him moving forward.

“I didn’t really know what to do when I finished high school, but finding this course has really helped.

“It’s given me a great opportunity and has already opened doors for me that I can take when looking into further study or heading into the workplace.”

Regardless of what he chooses to do moving forward, his love for his culture and want to help the younger generation will remain.

“We have a lot of fundraisers, a lot of cultural dances that we do. I help out at events that we throw, I just help out the kids and try to make things run as smoothly as possible.”

Heading into The Multicultural Game and Multicultural Festival on Sunday afternoon, Peter says it’s important for sporting clubs to hold events like these to showcase Australia’s diversity.

“I think it’s a great thing. It’s helping bring more diversity into basketball.

“It’s not just about basketball, it’s about where you come from and what your background is. Everyone has a story to tell and everyone is coming in as one, so it’s a great thing to see happen.”

Tickets to The Multicultural Game remain on sale here.