Fijians can enjoy longer stay to watch RWC, 2020 Olympic, Paralympic Games

“This will contribute to the grow­ing friendship between our coun­tries, promote trade, investment and tourism, not to mention easier and lengthier stay in Japan during the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the 2020 Olympics,” he said.

Omura said the reception was to promote the RWC and the Olym­pic and Paralympic Games with the hope to further boost the mo­tivation and excitement amongst Fijian rugby players, athletes and fans alike.

He highlighted that this year’s RWC will be held from Septem­ber 20 to November 2 at 12 venues throughout Japan.

“With its Rugby World Cup vision; ‘Connect, Create, Go Forward,’ Japan hopes to connect people throughout Japan and around the world to deliver Asia’s first Rugby World Cup, as the best ever.”

MORE EVENTS

In addition to the RWC, Omura says, Japan will also host the Inter­national Defence Rugby Competi­tion (IDRC) as well as the Parlia­ment RWC in September.

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) are the defending IDRC champions as they won the last tournament in 2015. The 2020 Olympics/ Paralympic Games will be held from July 24-August 9.

“Fiji has already created history at the 2016 Rio Olympics by win­ning the first ever gold medal in rugby sevens. I hope your team once again make you proud next year.”

Japan Ambassador to Fiji Masahiro Omura, Speaker of the House Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Defence Minister Inia Seruiratu, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Jone Usamate (standing in the middle) with representatives from the Paralympics team, Junior Japan and Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors rugby players during the reception at Tamavua, Suva on March 13, 2019. Photo: Ronald Kumar

DIRECT FLIGHT

Omura said for Fijians and people of the Pacific intending to partici­pate in this year’s RWC and the 2020 Olympics, it is reassuring that Fiji Airways has started direct flights to Japan, three times a week.

“This not only shortens the dis­tance between Japan and Fiji but it is also cheaper to fly this route when compared to connecting flights.”

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians half­back and Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors captain Frank Lomani said they are looking forward to playing in Japan during the RWC.

Paralympics official Albert Mill­er said they won the country’s first gold medal at the 2012 Games through Iliesa Delana in the high jump event.

“We’ve got two potential medal winners in the current squad for next year’s Paralympics. One is based in London where he’s train­ing and we’re looking forward to going over to Japan to compete,” the three-time Olympian addded.

Edited by Grace Narayan

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj