User:XV Pacific Games/sandbox

BACKGROUND
The idea was to kinder friendship by bringing about a confluence of cultures and meeting of minds and interests among the sovereign nations in the South Pacific Region. What better way than to play sport!

The South Pacific Commission founded the first South Pacific Games in 1962, to promote and develop sport, exclusively for the nations of the region and its people, without any barriers of 'race, colour or politics'. Much in line with the Olympics, with the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship reigning supreme, the first Games were held in 1963 at Suva, Fiji.

They were first held once every three years and after the 4th South Pacific Games in Papeete, once every four years, with hosting rights shared across the South pacific region, ever since.

In 1998, prosperity and sustained economic growth in the Pacific and Oceania region led to the South Pacific Commission calling itself the "Pacific Community". The South Pacific Games were also renamed, The Pacific Games.

Papua New Guinea, stands apart in this history, as the host to the Games, thrice - in 1969 (Port Moresby), 1991(Port Moresby/Lae) and soon in 2015 (Port Moresby).

As the capital city prepares to welcome this sporting fanfare again, the pressure and excitement are palpable as it also marks another glorious occasion – the nation's 40th year of Independence.

South Pacific Games Locations

 * 🇫🇯 Fiji1963 -Suva, Fiji
 * 🇳🇨 New Caledonia 1966 -Noumea, New Caledonia
 * 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea1969 -Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
 * Tahiti1971 -Papeete, Tahiti
 * 🇬🇺 Guam1975 -Guam
 * 🇫🇯 Fiji1979 -Suva, Fiji
 * Western Samoa1983 -Apia, Western Samoa
 * 🇳🇨 New Caledonia1987 -Noumea, New Caledonia
 * 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea1991 -Port Moresby/Lae, Papua New Guinea
 * Tahiti1995 -Papeete, Tahiti

Pacific Games Locations

 * 1999 - Guam
 * 2003 - Suva, Fiji
 * 2007 - Apia, Western Samoa
 * 2011 - Noumea, New Caledonia
 * 2015 - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
 * 2019 - Nuku'alofa, Tonga