Celebrations are being planned for the Fiji 7s team, the silver medalists of the 2024 Olympic Games, upon their return to Fiji. The team is scheduled to arrive on Sunday, August 4, along with the Fijiana 7s team.
Peter Mazey, the interim chair of the Fiji Rugby Union, mentioned that the celebrations will be organized in collaboration with the Fiji Government. He did not divulge much detail but confirmed that the teams will leave on August 2 and arrive on August 4. The Minister of Youth and Sports has already started his journey back to Fiji to welcome both teams.
While the plans are underway, the Fiji Rugby Union acknowledges the players’ need for family time, considering many have been in camp for an extended period. Mazey emphasized that after some time off, the players will prepare for the next round in November.
Ahead of the Olympics, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced cash incentives for any Team Fiji athlete or team that secures a podium finish in France. Consequently, Fiji 7s players, coaches, and management will receive $20,000 for their silver medal, as approved by the Cabinet.
This marks Fiji’s second-best achievement at the Olympic Games, following previous gold medal wins. Notably, it is the first silver medal for Team Fiji at the Olympics. Apart from the men’s 7s team, the Fijiana team is the only other Fijian squad to have won an Olympic medal, securing bronze at the last Olympics in Tokyo.
Both teams will return from Paris on Sunday.