78-year-old Ovini Batavotavo of Nabalebale village, Cakaudrove woke up at 4am yesterday morning to travel to Labasa in time for the  Fiji Sevens team Rio Gold celebration

Mr Batavotavo said he managed to board a student bus on its way to Labasa at 6am after persuading the driver.

“I was waiting for the 7am bus but as soon as I saw the 6am student bus approaching, I stopped it and asked the driver if I could also catch the bus with them,” Mr Batavotavo.

“I love watching the Fijian Sevens team play and I never miss any of their games. Their win from Rio has given me such an indescribable happiness.

“We, the people of the North are blessed to have some of the team members here and we thank them for visiting us.

“I know most of us in the North were hoping for this after the people in Viti Levu had their chance on Monday and we are happy that they are here.”

A former school teacher, Mr Batavotavo said this favourite player was Jerry Tuwai and just getting a glimpse of him and the team was enough.

“I know this win is written in the history books of the world and I will go back home and tell my grandchildren of this momentous occasion.”

Mr Batavotavo returned to his village a happy man on the last bus to Savusavu at 4:30pm.

He was also a part of the procession from Y-corner in Labasa to the Subrail Park where the official ceremony took place.

FeedBack: josaia.ralago@fijisun.com.fj