Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board interim chairman Peter Mazey said the gathering was to celebrate both teams extraordinary achievements which had brought immense pride to Fiji.
Fiji sevens men’s team with their Silver medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics in France. Photo: Fiji Rugby
Team Fiji Men’s 7s captain Jerry Tuwai said the standard set by both teams at the 2024 Paris Olympics could push the nation and the youths who want to represent our nation.
This was during a welcoming ceremony for both the men’s and women’s teams on August 4, 2024 organised by the Fiji Rugby Union and held at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi with family and loved one present
Tuwai agreed that while the result was not what many had hoped for, the team had the ability to rise again.
First of all I’d like to thank God for the protection and the guidance, in the past month of preparation leading to the campaign in Paris and the protection coming back from Paris, Mr Tuwai said.
I’d like to thank our coaches, the management, our brothers and our sisters for putting their hands up to defend our nation in the biggest game in the world that’s the Olympic games.
Thank you very much to our families, all our mothers, fathers, wives, kids, girlfriends and boyfriends, to everyone who supported us Vinaka Vakalevu.
Fiji Men’s 7s captain Jerry Tuwai. Photo: Fiji Government
We apologise if we came back with the wrong color medal, we apologise to the nation, I know that was made of expectations of us but we just fell short at the last minute, he said.
He said spending a month away from family and loved ones was no easy task.
The Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru commended the both the Fiji 7s and Fijiana 7s team for their performance and thanked the coaches and management of both teams for their support and guidance throughout the tournament.
Your leadership and expertise have played a crucial role in the success of our team, a special mention must go out to Mr Osea Kolonisau and his family for their continuous support and dedication to the team, Mr Saukuru said.
Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board interim chairman Peter Mazey said the gathering was to celebrate both teams extraordinary achievements which had brought immense pride to Fiji.
FIji 7s performance praised
From the moment you set foot on the grand stage in Paris, it was just to watch from here, Mr Mazey said.
You showcased the heart and capacity that define Fijian rugby, you faced formidable opponents and rose to every challenge with unmatched resilience, skill and determination.
Each try you scored, every tackle you made, it showed the strength of a culture and the passion of our people.
You’ve not only represented a nation on the world stage but you have also inspired a generation of young athletes to dream of wearing that iconic jersey.
He said this was not only a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication, but also a shining example of the spirit of Fiji and the faith placed in them by all Fijians.
It is with amazing joy and admiration that I stand before you today and say thank you, you have made history by winning the silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, he said.
Fiji sevens men’s team during the 2024 Paris Olympics in France. Photo: Fiji Rugby
To the coaching staff, the medical team and everyone behind the scenes, we thank you for your unwavering support and commitment.
Dedication has been crucial in guiding all these young men to success. We all know that it takes a village and your hard work has not gone unnoticed.
So, as we welcome our heroes back home, let us remember that the silver medal is more than just an accolade, you’re up against 70,000 people in the opposing team, we are proud of you, that medal represents countless hours of practice, the sacrifices made.
He said this served as a reminder that while the teams might not have brought home gold, the achievement was still truly remarkable.
“As we look to the future, it has continued to support our teams, let this silver medal be a stepping stone now to even greater achievements , together we can ensure that Fiji remains a powerhouse in rugby, inspiring not just our nation, but the entire globe,” he said.
“We say thank you for representing us at the Olympics, you also face formidable opponents and while you were not able to overcome them this time we thank you and wish you well for the future.
“It is time to take a break and spend some time with your family, recharge and get ready for the challenges ahead.”
Feedback: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj
