1997 South Pacific Mini Games
The 1997 South Pacific Mini Games were held at Pago Pago in American Samoa from 11–22 August 1997. It was the fifth edition of the South Pacific Mini Games. It was much larger than previous editions, with an almost doubling of the number of medals awarded compared to the 1993 South Pacific Mini Games. The impressive performances by Nauru in weightlifting continued in Pago Pago, with the tiny nation finishing on top of the unofficial medal table after winning 33 gold.
The 1997 Games were criticized for poor preparation by local and international journalists, with Matai Akauo in the Pacific Islands Monthly describing them as "the most disoganised ever in the history of the Pacific Islands Council". Without other means transportation, some athletes had to walk to their venues. However, the games went ahead and the events were able to be completed.