January 5, 2011: Fiji Rugby takes Earth Hour beyond the hour for Rugby World Cup

Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has become the first sporting body in the world to commit to Earth Hour 2011 calling on their fans in the rugby-mad nation to get behind their commitment to the global ‘lights out’ event and to go beyond the hour in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup, taking place in New Zealand this September.

“We are very proud to have the Fiji Rugby Union take part in this global campaign,” said Kenneth Zinck, representative of the FRU.

“I would like to urge all Fiji rugby fans to get behind Earth Hour and the boys’ campaign to the Rugby World Cup by switching their non-essential lights off not only for an hour at 8.30pm on 26th March but also to go beyond that hour in our everyday energy consumption practices." he said.

Renowned as one of the world’s most flamboyant and skillful rugby teams, Fiji is particularly competitive in the ‘seven-a-side’ version of the game. With the prestigious Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament coinciding with Earth Hour 2011, Zinck is calling on Fiji rugby fans to show their support for the team by ensuring the only energy being consumed during Earth Hour is for the television.

“The FRU is behind Earth Hour and it would be great if the country could support us during Earth Hour by switching off the lights while watching the Hong Kong Sevens game which coincides to be on the same day and time,” he said.

For the people of Fiji, Earth Hour 2011 aims to be a double celebration, of both victory in Hong Kong and their ongoing contribution to global environmental change.

What positive action for the planet will you celebrate for Earth Hour 2011 that goes beyond the hour? Tell the world at earthhour.org.