FIJI Airways Men’s 7s team were gifted during a farewell get-together at the Sheraton Wall in Downtown, Vancouver last night.
The players and the coaching staff were thrilled at the reception before a capacity crowed.
Fiji’s honorary consul to Canada Bobby Naicker, who was the guest of honor said he chose not to make a speech but to talk about the goodness of the team.
“I’ve always been a proud Fijian. I’ve never been prouder after having been with this family, the team, for over a week,” Naicker said.
“It is their humbleness that is unequal, they take nothing for granted, but appreciate little things, from a handshake, bula, hug to gifts”.
Naicker said the team works and plays hard for the nation.
“When they play, the whole world appreciates their talent.
“And they don’t just participate, they win, they won gold in Singapore and silver in Vancouver and they’re the back-to-back Olympic Game gold medalist.
“These are our ambassadors. They deserve our respect.”
The players sang hymns as an appreciation to fans’ support during the weekend long event.
And as the night wore down, they signed autographs and had pictures taken with the fans.
Fiji lost the final to Argentina 29-10. The next leg of the World Series is in Toulouse, France from May 20-22.
The team departed for Fiji last night.
