The opening of the 2012 Paralympic Games was an extra special occasion for the Solomon Islands, as this is the first time the country has been represented in the significant event.
Hellen Tasaunga who hails from Rennell and Bellona Province in the Solomon Islands is the country's sole athlete in London.Ms. Tasaunga will compete in the F57 category women's shot put for wheelchair athletes.
Referring to the opening ceremony, the Solomon Islands Chef de Mission, Casper Pule, says it's:
".... a big deal for us. We just got given our full membership last year and, as part of that, we are entitled to be part of this global game and we were lucky to be given a wildcard."
Eight athletes from six Pacific countries are competing at the Paralympic Games.