Fiji Honors Rugby Sevens With Banknote -- NOCs News

(ATR)Two million $7 banknotes were dispersed by the Fijian government asa tribute to the Fiji rugby 7s gold-medal win at the Rio Games.

The rugby team defeated Great Britain 43-7 in Rio winning the countries first ever Olympic medal.

The bill, being the only known $7 note in any country, is worth $3.35 U.S (3.12 euros).

The government intends to issue one million 50 cent coins in honor of the Fiji 7s coach Ben Ryan as well.Ryan was also awarded three acres of Fijian land in 2016 thanks to the success of his team.

Rugby team captain Osea Kolinisau is featured on the opposite side of the coin.

Rio 2016 Medalists Honored in Japan

Japan Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko praised their country’s Olympic medalists from the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro at a garden party in Tokyo on Thursday.

More than 2,000 people attended the semi-annual garden party at the Akasaka Imperial Gardens on April 20. Other imperial family members in attendance included Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako.

Japan placed sixth on the Rio 2016 medal table with 41 total and 12 gold medals. Japanese athletes also earned eight silvers and 21 bronze last August. Many of Japan’s medalists attended the garden party.

"You must be proud of your accomplishment," the Emperor said to kimono-clad Kaori Icho, gold medalist in the 58-kilogram women's wrestling division.

Japanese athletes will seek to improve upon their performance at the next Summer Games that will be staged in the country’s capital of Tokyo. Japan placed third on the medal table at the Tokyo 1964 Olympics and will try to match or improve upon that mark at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Written by Courtney Colquitt andKevin Nutley

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