As FIFA puts the lid on a dramatic, exciting World Cup in Russia, sports fans in the United States turn their eyes to San Francisco, the host of the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens, the first time the rugby championship has been held in the United States.
Before the games start, however, one of the most popular teams to ever play the sport, the reigning Olympic champion Fiji Airways Men's 7s rugby team, is planning on taking the streets of San Francisco by storm in series of public and private events.
"Our rugby players inspire and instill national pride in all Fijians," said Andrew Viljoen, Fiji Airways CEO. "There is a significant Fijian community in Northern California and we hope our events bring together Fijians from both sides of the Pacific. Beyond reaching out to our fellow Fijians, we hope to inspire all San Franciscans to travel to Fiji, and experience firsthand the beautiful people and culture that we have given them a hint of, through these events."
Co-hosted by Fiji Tourism and Fiji Airways, the events are part of Fiji's "Happiness Lands in San Francisco" campaign. Fiji, well-known as a happiness-inducing travel destination, is also an official partner the International Day of Happiness, a United Nations' initiative which recognizes "the pursuit of happiness as a fundamental human goal."
"In Fiji, happiness finds you," said Matthew Stoeckel, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Fiji. "Whether you're exploring world-class dive spots or your own private island, happiness is effortless and felt throughout the islands. Now we are bringing this spirit to San Francisco with a series of events and interactions with Fijian locals. The Fijian rugby players are our national heroes, and we see this as an opportunity to give San Francisco more than a good rugby match. We decided to bring San Franciscans the same type of boundless happiness we enjoy in Fiji."
The events include:
Monday, July 16, 2018; 4-8 p.m.
Kava Ceremony, Kava Lounge San Francisco
In Fiji, kava is central to cultural events and everyday social life and a ceremony is performed at special occasions as a sign of respect, welcoming and camaraderie among family and friends. Guests will experience the Fijian kava ceremony, with Fijian cultural expert Master Laisiasa Rokobuludrau. Afterward, Fijian warriors will perform traditional songs and dances. (Open to the public.)
Tuesday, July 17, 2018; 10 a.m.-noon
Fijian Warrior Performances, Union Square
Fijian warriors will electrify San Francisco's Union Square with performances of the lively dances called the "meke," which tell the story of Fijian culture. (Open to the public; free.)
Wednesday, July 18, 2018; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fiji Airways Men's 7s Visit to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, Oakland
The Fiji Airways Men's 7s rugby team will pay a special visit to the sports medicine department at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland. The team will meet with patients and the hospital community, along with local youth rugby program participants from the Oakland Warthogs. (Private event.)
Thursday, July 19, 2018; 5 p.m.
Rugby World Cup Sevens Welcome Ceremony, Embarcadero Plaza
Join Fiji's warrior rugby legends as they pump up the energy during the official welcome for the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens. The event welcomes all the competing countries and their representative teams, including the Fiji Airways Men's 7s rugby team.
The Fiji Airways Men's 7s rugby team gained worldwide fame in 2016 when they won their first-ever Olympic medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in the newly-introduced rugby sevens event. The team will compete in the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament at AT&T Park, July 20-22, 2018.
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