| Solomon Islands at the 2012 Summer Paralympics | |
|---|---|
 | |
| IPC code | SOL |
| NPC | Solomon Islands Paralympics Committee |
| inLondon | |
| Competitors | 1 in 1 sport |
| Flag bearer | Hellen Saohaga |
| Officials | 3 |
| Medals |
|
| Summer Paralympics appearances (overview) | |
TheSolomon Islands made theirParalympic Games début at the2012 Summer Paralympics inLondon,United Kingdom, from August 29 to September 9, 2012.[1] The country sent one athlete, shot putterHellen Saohaga. She finished 15th out of 19 competitors, and did not medal at these Games.
TheSolomon Islands Paralympics Federation was recognised as a full member of theInternational Paralympic Committee in 2011, granting the country the right to send a delegation to the London Games. The Solomons initially planned to send athletes to compete intrack and field andpowerlifting events. Among the country's hopefuls were Benjamin Vae in theshot put, who was internationallyclassified, which was a requirement to compete at the Paralympics.[1]
Ultimately, the country's delegation was composed of a single athlete,Hellen Saohaga (also known as Hellen Tasaunga).[2] She was accompanied by Chef de Mission Casper Pule, team manager Falai Katalake Bare, and coach Fa'amoana Topue.[2] She competed inBrisbane in an international competition during the Queensland Athletic Championships. She was given a universality spot in the Games.[3][4] She was the country's flag-bearer during the Games'opening ceremony.[5][6]
Hellen Saohaga, born with malformed legs,[3][7] competed in the women's shot put, F57 category (for wheelchair athletes).[8] Saohaga had never owned a seated throwing frame, and arrived at the Games without one, assuming the organizers would provide one. Once theAustralian Paralympic Committee became aware of the situation, they had one specifically made for her before her event.[3] Of the 19 competitors, Saohaga placed 15th with 298 points.[9]
| Athlete | Events | Result | Points | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hellen Saohaga | Shot put F57–58 | 5.23 | 298 | 15 |
.svg){kind=logo}