New Caledonians aim to be tops

New Caledonia aims to maintain its placing as the top sporting nation in the Pacific region.

With the clock winding down towards the July 4 opening ceremony for the Pacific Games, the advance touring party for the nation of New Caledonia arrived today (Monday).

Chef de mission Christiphe Dabin on arrival spoke in French and told reporters through a translator that New Caledonia is not afraid and its sports people are here to win medals and maintain their top ranking.

The 2011 Pacific Games host topped  the medal tally when the Games was played in their capital, Noumea.

Dabin said that 329 athletes will be competing in the 22 sports in the July Games.

He said that Port Moresby’s humid weather will not affect their chances to win more medals like in the last Pacific Games.

The first batch of New Caledonia athletes will arrive in Port Moresby on Saturday before the night opening ceremony.