The Pacific nation of Fiji has erupted with wild celebrations and announced a nationwide public holiday after winning its first Olympic medal – a gold – in the men’s rugby sevens.
The thumping 43-7 victory over Britain in the final prompted celebrations across the island nation as drivers leapt out of their cars and people took to the streets to wave the national flag.
In other responses in the rugby-obsessed nation: phone carriers offered free calls; Fiji Airways, the national carrier, announced the only beer it will serve on Friday will be Fiji Gold, a popular local beverage; and the government declared August 22 a national holiday to mark the win.
According to The Fiji Times, staff at the main hospital reported that “patients used their crutches or wheelchairs to get to the television to ensure they do not miss history in the making.”
The thumping 43-7 victory over Britain in the final prompted celebrations across the island nation as drivers leapt out of their cars and people took to the streets to wave the national flag.
In other responses in the rugby-obsessed nation: phone carriers offered free calls; Fiji Airways, the national carrier, announced the only beer it will serve on Friday will be Fiji Gold, a popular local beverage; and the government declared August 22 a national holiday to mark the win.
According to The Fiji Times, staff at the main hospital reported that “patients used their crutches or wheelchairs to get to the television to ensure they do not miss history in the making.”
