In October 1987, Guam received International Olympic Committee recognition from IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch. The Guam Amateur Sports Federation merged with the newly created Guam National Olympic Committee to form a non-profit sports body.

In the years since its formation, the GNOC has relied solely on private sector and Olympic Solidarity support. During the hosting of the XI South Pacific Games in May-June 1999, the Government of Guam provided logistical support, housing, and transportation.

The GNOC executive board, consisting of various members of the community, has supported the goals of international sports competition and goodwill, development of athletes, and community activities.

The GNOC is the ‘peak body’ representing the interests of sport on Guam. It is through the GNOC that Guam is able to compete in any international Multi-sport Games, from the Pacific Games, Pacific Mini Games, Micronesian Games, East Asian Games, East Asian Youth Games, Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, Asian Beach Games, Asian Games, World Beach Games, Youth Olympic Games and to the Olympic Games.

Guam first attended the Olympic Games in 1988, which was held in Seoul, Korea and has competed in every Game since then, most recently at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.