The 9th South Pacific Games were held in Papua New Guinea during 1991. This was the second time, for PNG, to hold the games. PNG held the games in 1969.

1991 - 9th South Pacific Games

The 9th South Pacific Games were held across two cities. Port Moresby. National Capital District and Lae, Morobe province. The opening ceremony was held in Port Moresby which meant a huge rush of atheletes and officials across to Lae for the start of the events after the ceremony. Air Niugini played a very importnant part in moving everyone.

The Games are now known as the Pacific Games and PNG is once again hosting them in 2015.

Patty Kane from Air Niugini spent many hours organising the movement of people. Patty is seen here with SP Games Chairman Bart Philemon.

The Ninth South Pacific Games were opened by HRH The Prince Andrew, Duke of York at the official ceremony on Saturday the 7th September 1991 at the Sir John Guise Stadium. (Waigani, Port Moresby)

Day Pass to the 9th SP Games

The Post Courier newspaper reported the following about the Opening Ceremony -  “For three hours everything was in perspective. There was no boring “mauswara” (speeches) from big men. Tolai sat beside Kerema and Wabag nudged Goilala. Just once we felt truly like a nation.  It showed both outsiders and locals what strength there lies in working together, even in the worst of times.

Kapul - the 9th South Pacific Games Mascot

A special coin was minted for the occasion by the Bank of PNG. The 50 toea coin was produced by the Royal Australian Mint on behalf of the Bank of PNG. It was 30 mm in diameter and 2.65mm thick. It was made from Cupro-Nickel alloy.

Student Miria Miria won a design competition for a suitable game's logo. It links the PNG Bird of Paradise with the 9th SP Games.

XV Pacific Games - 2015 - 4 July to 18 July

Click for more information about the XV Pacific Games