From Rokocoko To Dan Carter
We have just won our first Olympic gold medal. And what a spectacular game against Great Britain it was! But now that it’s over, the celebration has only just begun!
Why? Partly because Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama indicated and more so, because no other nation is as crazy about sevens rugby like ours! Better still August 22 has been declared a Public Holiday.
During the game, the streets, city and shops were close to empty. Fijians from the around the world were no doubt glued to their television sets, gadgets, and the what-nots, and showing the spirit of unity as the song goes ‘Spirit of Fiji’. Even the ANZ Stadium was filled as the jumbo tron aired the game live – #OnlyinFiji.
The invite was only sent out on social media and airwaves after the semi-final against Japan. The organisers were overwhelmed with the turnout.
Even in the light of day, fireworks were already shooting off from residential homes. Drivers honked the horns in their vehicles as they took to the streets their emotions and mind you, possibly breaking Land Transport Authority regulations.
A tourist getaway has significantly reduced the price of Fiji Bitter for the rest of the day. And a telecommunications company enabled free calls within its network!
And scores of congratulatory remarks have filled social media websites.
From international former and current rugby stars, to institutions who took a ‘time out’ for that sweet 30-minute or so break from productivity, it really only be described as a ‘berserk affair’.
The icing on the cake could be of the former British High Commissioner to Fiji Roderick Drummond posting a picture of wearing a Fijian Rugby jersey. Thank you Drummond for your show of diplomacy.
Even the world’s popular search engine, Google on Twitter said: Fiji is the #1 trending search in the world as their rugby team wins the country’s first medal.” What? Couldn’t get any better than that! The list goes on really.
Our special Oped today features some of the many feeds that we got from social media and what they said about our sensational rugby stars and of course, our beloved ginger-haired Englishman, Ben Ryan and THE captain Osea Kolinisau, ‘a legend’.
Fantastic performance by @fijirugby @benjaminryan @ukinfiji v happy. I donned the shirt of #OLYMPICCHAMPIONS pic.twitter.com/2ar46AwdK4
— Roderick Drummond (@RoddyDrummond) August 11, 2016
Historic night for #rugby fans all over the globe, especially in Fiji. They won in style and received their medals with great humility.#Rio
— Brett Gosper (@brettgosper) August 12, 2016
Fiji is the #1 trending search in the world as their rugby team wins the country's first medal. #gold #Fiji pic.twitter.com/FhoCMf41MT
— Google (@google) August 11, 2016
Couldn't be more happy for the Fiji brothers & Fiji as a country.. First medal ever and it's gold! That's how rugby is meant to be played..
— Quade Cooper (@QuadeCooper) August 11, 2016
Kava business owners in Fiji might be multi millionaires by end of the week, bilo levu kece Viti
— Joe Rokocoko (@J_Rokocoko) August 11, 2016
Phil4:13 Congrats @fijirugby taking home Gold. Thank God for all, all Fijian's n fans are proud of you all. 🏉🇫🇯🌴👏👏😊 pic.twitter.com/1uiuDPMLfq
— Waisale_Serevi (@Waisale_Serevi) August 11, 2016
Never been so proud to be a Fijian and witness 4 the first time dat our nation has won gold!. #makeamovie #Rio2016 #Rugby7s #fijieverfiji ❤️
— nemzy (@nemani_nadolo) August 11, 2016
Fiji will celebrate for many many days and weeks. I'm not sure people understand what this means to their country. Incredible. #heroes
— Rory Lawson (@rorylawson9) August 11, 2016
Fiji's passing of the ball and running is poetry in motion. If they entered the Eisteddfod they would win the Chair and Crown outright.
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) August 11, 2016
What an end to an amazing spectacle. Congratulations @fijirugby deserved winners. #gold. @TeamGB @James_Rodwell awesome. Proud moment
— Ben Gollings (@bengollings10) August 11, 2016
I see the skip exhausted! What a legend. https://t.co/11klWjBDpy
— jarryd hayne (@JarrydHayne) August 12, 2016
Can't wait to watch the 7's final. Let's go Fiji!!!!
— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) August 11, 2016
Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj
