Nadi, Tuesday, October 14, 2014. The Fijian Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Laisenia Tuitubou commended Fiji’s 7s rugby team for their recent victory in Brisbane.
“This past week has been one of Fiji’ best ever,” he told the national 7s side on their return from Brisbane.
“On Friday our country celebrated its 44th year of Independence and your victory on this 1st leg of the 2014-2015 IRB Sevens Series at Gold Coast on Sunday is certainly, the extra icing on the cake.”
He added that the whole country was united in the win and would continue to support the 7s side.
“Your country shares with you the joy of your victory. Congratulations on your achievement! We are so pleased at your well-earned success! The news of your victory has come as a great delight to all of us at home. All of your hard work, commitment and sacrifice have paid off,” Hon. Tuitubou said.
“I extend to you Fiji’s heartiest congratulations on behalf of the Fijian Government and members of parliament on your thrilling victory, and congratulatory remarks were conveyed to Parliament by the Hon. Prime Minister during his maiden speech yesterday.”
“Your grit, and determination to win, exemplified by the leadership of Captain Osea Kolinisau and coach Ben Ryan, saw you through to a deserving victories overevery worthy opponents you faced. Your nation stands proud with you.”
The win in Australia where Fiji beat Samoa in the final means Fiji has taken an early lead into the series going into the second leg in Dubai and South Africa inDecember and ultimately the dream of winning gold in the Rio Olympics in 2016.
“We cannot rest on our laurels and it is too early now to be complacent. The road to RIO seems tough ahead and we must stay focus and that is to finish at the top four at the end of this series for an automatic qualification to Rio.
“If we continue in this form, we will certainly go to RIO and maybe accomplish theunthinkable and win the first ever gold medal at the Olympics in 2016,” he added.
FIJIAN GOVERNMENT PAYS TRIBUTE TO RYAN
The Fijian Government today indicated that the national 7s side are in good hands as the nation rallies behind the Ben Ryan coached – side for its second IRB Sevens Series title and first ever Olympic Gold in Rio, Brasil in 2016.
The Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Laisenia Tuitubou made the comments at a welcome reception of the national 7s side at the Raffles Gateway Resort in Nadi this morning.
“The Fijian Government through the Fiji National Sports Commission has ensured that we secure the services of Ben Ryan by providing the necessary funding to FRU and I am happy to say that its money well spent,” he said.
“And I must say that after watching Coach Ryan speaking a few Fijian words – he is certainly one of us now.”
He also said Government remained committed towards developing sports among youths as a vehicle for change.
“Our ministry will also consider requests and the plight of other sports in the future for the recruitment of experienced and qualified coaches for the development of sports in Fiji.”
DEPTFO