December 8th - 20th
Numbers for the 1987 games were down due to political and economic constraints in the region. Fiji's participation was severely cut back by the effects of the coups. Noumea as hosts faced their own internal security troubles with the Kanak independence struggle. The regional economic downturn saw most countries come with depleted sets of competitors. The games got ahead in a colourful ceremony despite protests from pro-independence supporters. The main arena once again offered the stage for a well-orchestrated and executed opening ceremony.
Amidst tight security clockwork operations for the games ensured a professionally run games. New Caledonia and French Polynesia had the most competitors and faced their only real competition from the gallant PNG team. Alain Lazare once again completely dominated the long distance events. In the absence of a full-strength Fiji side New Caledonia completely dominated the medal tally with a record 82 gold over French Polyniesa on 35 and PNG on 15. Fiji finished a credible fourth on 9 medals. Another well-staged closing ceremony saw the various countries going away with their share of triumphs as well as lessons learnt for better performances.
1987: Noumea, New Caledonia
Country
|
Gold
|
Silver
|
Bronze
|
Total
|
New Caledonia
|
82
|
48
|
38
|
168
|
French Polynesia
|
35
|
38
|
43
|
116
|
PNG
|
15
|
27
|
27
|
69
|
Fiji
|
9
|
14
|
15
|
38
|
Guam
|
1
|
8
|
13
|
22
|
American Samoa
|
9
|
5
|
5
|
19
|
Wallis & Futuna
|
3
|
3
|
6
|
12
|
Tonga
|
3
|
3
|
6
|
12
|
Northern Marias.
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
6
|
Norfolk Islands
|
|
2
|
3
|
5
|
Cook Islands
|
|
3
|
1
|
4
|
Total
|
159
|
154
|
158
|
471
|
Last Modified on 08/03/2007 17:18