Celebrations continue in Fiji after the destination scored itself its first Olympic gold medal last week AND another public holiday.
The country was crowned the first men’s Olympic Sevens champions late last week after taking down Britain 43-7.
The incredible defeat didn’t just make Fiji the winners of the inaugural tournament in Rio, but also the recipients of the country’s first-ever Games medal.
Needless to say, celebrations have been well underway in Fiji for days now, and according to Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, they’re not expected to stop anytime soon.
Bainimarama told media after the win that Fijians can expect at least one more public holiday, in addition to the three days recently set aside to watch the country compete in the Sevens matches.
“They’re all celebrating, they’ve been celebrating for the last three days,” he said.
“We’ve got celebrations programmed for when [the team] returns.”
Tourism Fiji says the remarkable win is a boost for the nation, which is still recovering from the devastation of cyclone Winston that hit the Fiji islands in February this year.
“This win will consolidate Fiji’s position as a global force in 7’s rugby and has put a smile on the faces of a global audience.”
Carlah Walton, Tourism Fiji Australia Regional Director
“It reminds the world that happiness can find you on our beaches, in our turquoise waters, through the smiles and welcoming ‘Bula’ of our people as well as on the Rugby pitch.”
In addition to land parties, Fiji Airways has taken celebrations to the skies by introducing ‘Fiji Gold Beer’ onboard for a limited time.
The exclusive serving was initially launched for one-day only on Friday last week and has been extended to today “due to popular demand”.
The airline also demonstrated its enthusiasm for the win by creating the hashtags #SoaringwithPride and #FlyLikeAFijian.
The team will return to Fiji at the end of August to a homecoming of heroes, led by Coach Ben Ryan, who has guided the Fiji Sevens team since 2013 to this historic win for the Pacific nation.
