By Henry Tavoa

Since 1963, Vanuatu (previously New Hebrides) has competed in 29 Pacific Games and Pacific Mini Games, proudly collecting 377 medals (79 Gold, 129 Silver, 174 Bronze) on the regional stage.

🇻🇺 Best PG performance: 2019 Samoa
🇻🇺 Best PMG performance: 2017 Vanuatu (as Host)

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More Sports, More Medals

We have won more medals under our Vanuatu flag than during the New Hebrides era, reflecting the growth of sports participation, support from government and communities, and the resilience of our athletes.

Golden Eras:
During the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s, the “Golden Mamas” of Athletics, Golden Girls of Table Tennis, and Golden Ladies of Beach Volleyball led Vanuatu’s gold medal charge.

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Why Individual Sports Lead

Most medals come from individual sports, which offer more medal events (athletics, table tennis, judo) than team sports (football, basketball). This has kept Vanuatu competitive on the overall medal table.

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Remembering 1987

Though the 🇻🇺 government boycotted the 1987 Pacific Games, Vanuatu’s football team still participated as a “rebel team”, insisting that politics should never prevent youth from playing the sport they love.

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Hosting History

Vanuatu has hosted two Pacific Mini Games but has not yet hosted the main Pacific Games:

• We missed out on the 1979 PG hosting due to political unrest before Independence.
• We lost to Tahiti for the 2027 PG bid.
• We withdrew from the 2031 PG hosting bid.

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The Journey Continues

Our sporting journey is about more than medals. It is about youth, community, national pride, and keeping the spirit of sport alive despite challenges.

Over to you, Facebook sports “experts” 😉 – share your Pacific Games memories and favourite moments below!