Two million $7 banknotes and one million fifty cents coins have been printed to commemorate the gold medal win of the Fiji 7s team at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Speaking at the launch of the commemorative banknote and coin, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says this commemoration is an acknowledgement, not only of the tremendous achievement the coach and players have accomplished but for the meaning it held for every Fijian man, woman and child. 

Bainimarama says that victory is immortalised with the launch of a commemorative banknote and coin that honour our players, coaches and staff and give their victory the ever-lasting place in our history it deserves.

He says that in 2012, we honoured the now Assistant Minister for Sports, Iliesa Delana’s gold medal victory at the Paralympics with a commemorative coin because his victory embodied the resilience, determination and tenacity of the Fijian spirit. 

Bainimarama says it was an achievement that showed the world that, regardless of our small size, we can compete with the best of the best in sport.

He adds that the commemorative note and coin honours the coaches and players in our world-champion Sevens side in the same fashion. 

Bainimarama also welcomed and thanked former Fiji 7s coach Ben Ryan.

Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Barry Whiteside apologised to the people that as promised earlier of a painted coin will not be fulfilled this time.

Whiteside says unfortunately technological limitations and despite their best efforts, they were advised that there was high possibility that the paint will come off the coins with constant circulation.

The banknotes and coins will be issued through commercial bank branches from today.