[1][2] A combined Gilbert and Ellice Islands team participated already at the 1963,[3] 1966,[4] and 1971 South Pacific Games.

[5] An athlete from Tuvalu (then Ellice Islands), namely Nelu Arenga, is at least documented for 1971.

[5][6] Athletes from Tuvalu attended the 2003 South Pacific Games for the first time.

[1][2] Tuvaluan athletes participate in the Pacific Games and the Commonwealth Games in track and field events such as the discus, shot put and 100 metre sprints.

A team with athletes in the same events competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics.