1986 South American Games

Host citySantiago

Country Chile

Nations11

Athletes969

III South American Games

1986 South American Games logo
Host city	Santiago
Country	Chile
Nations	11
Athletes	969
Events	17 sports
Opening	November 28, 1986 (1986-11-28)
Closing	December 8, 1986 (1986-12-08)
Opened by	Augusto Pinochet
Torch lighter	Omar Aguilar
Main venue	Estadio Nacional de Chile
← 1982 Rosario 1990 Lima →

The III South American Games (Spanish: Juegos Sudamericanos; Portuguese: Jogos Sul-Americanos) were a multi-sport event held in 1986 in Santiago, Chile, with some events in Concepción and Viña del Mar. The Games were organized by the South American Sports Organization (ODESUR) and were initially awarded to Brazil at its 1982 congress held in Rosario. However, four months later, Brazil declined the offer. Therefore, Guayaquil and Quito in Ecuador were chosen, but due to lack of government support the games were finally moved to Santiago, Chile.^[1][2]

An appraisal of the games and detailed medal lists were published elsewhere,^[2] emphasizing the results of the Argentinian teams. Torch lighter at the Estadio Nacional de Chile was athlete Omar Aguilar.

Suriname had the first appearance at the games resulting in a total of 11 teams participating.