Guam finished 14th in the medal table at the 2011 Games in Nouméa, New Caledonia, winning six silver medals and five bronzes, but no golds.

Despite winning a gold four years earlier in Apia, Samoa, Guam ended up only 16th overall as two silvers and six bronzes bolstered their tally.

Guam is planning to have a delegation of more than 200 athletes in Papua New Guinea's capital Port Moresby, with the Games scheduled to take place from July 4 to 18.

"We expect our athletes to compete at a high level and to give it their all,” said Miranda III.

“We are going to contend for all possible medals."

Gold medals for Guam’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are a strong possibility, following success for both at last year’s Micronesian Games in Pohnpei.

Guam’s men’s team came second to hosts New Caledonia in 2011 and were also runners-up in 2007, 2003, 1999 and 1991, the last time the Games were held in Port Moresby.

They last won the competition at Suva in 1979, four years after winning it for the first time in Tumon on home ground.

Guam's swimming team will also be looking to bring home medals having entered more events in that sport than any other. 

As well as basketball and swimming, Guam’s men and women are due to be represented in beach volleyball, boxing, golf, shooting, taekwondo, tennis, track and field, triathlon, va’a, volleyball, and weightlifting.

The country will also have a rugby league men’s team.


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