FIJIAN fans came out in huge numbers to celebrate the Olympic Games gold medal win by our national rugby sevens team in Suva yesterday.

Beginning at the Suva Flea Market, the 7s boys led a float procession to the ANZ Stadium and was followed by a sea of blue as proud supporters marched beside the team.

The slight drizzle that turned into a downpour did not deter the fans as the numbers grew into the hundreds once the processions made its way down Laucala Bay Rd.

As the 7s heroes made their way into the ANZ Stadium, the crowd waited patiently at the gates and spilled into the grounds, waving their flags and shouting “Toso Viti Toso”.

Coach Ben Ryan led the boys out on to the field one at a time for a victory walk around the stadium and was met by the chanting and cheers of the nation.

The team was accorded an inter-faith service and traditional welcome by the people of the Vanua O Raralevu-Nakelo, Tailevu after which there were speeches by the winning coach and captain.

The ANZ Stadium erupted into louder cheering and fans began beating on the fences as the final match between Fiji and Great Britain at the Rio Olympic Games was replayed on the big screen, allowing the gold medallists the chance to witness the atmosphere that enveloped Fiji on Friday August 5, the day our nation made headlines around the world.

People from as far as the interior of Naitasiri journeyed to the Capital City to be part of the celebrations.