CELEBRATIONS in sports are great.
Celebrations are jovial times, infectious and to let go of the emotions.
Athletes in all sports have a certain way to express their feelings, on individual and team success.
Our men’s sevens team is unique when it comes to celebrations.
And being God fearing and biblical, celebrations on every try scored to winning the gold in Tokyo Olympics was like no other, giving praise to the powers that be.
Our approach for celebrations has always been the same, one of dedication.
During the Olympics, our men looked skyward for upward strength, embrace, and walk.
Unlike, New Zealand’s Jo Webber, who raises two thumbs on the faces of opposing players, smiles, irk, South Africa’s, Justin Geduld high fives, American thump up chests, while the Kenyans join in a very distinctive dance style called Sikuti.
It is an energetic, heat-of-the-moment celebration but our men don’t show up or taunt and or rub it, it’s not Fijian, our men are cool.
And then it is our Asaeli ‘Tank’ Tuivuaka.
Remember.
The shy player caught the attention of the fans, not that he didn’t give thanks to the powers, but for his trademark ‘cute’ wave, which was a celebration unique.
He was everybody’s go-to expression, nothing elaborate, Tuivuaka was himself.
For a man with menace tackles, his polite nature got called out by the commentators, even more so his cute gesture.
“Here we go, that baby wave”, quipped Rob Vickerman, Olympic sevens commentator.
What else is very Fijian, and as seen in the Olympics and a routine during the HSBC World Rugby Series is that surge of adrenaline that pumps our players to let a show sing hymns.
It’s celebrating before God, sure hits all nerves. And why not, it’s only Fijian.
And then how can we forget Napolioni Bolaca and Jiuta Wainiqolo pulling their creative shtick, the unfiltered comedians of the team.
Laughter, it is said to be a good medicine, alleviates stress and kicks in good mood and that brings body and mind in balance,
For Fijian players rugby is an emotionally charged sport, played with passion and emotions, with all the praises to God.
There’s no better celebration.
The outside world loves it, throngs of Fijian fans know it.
