Toronto, Sep. 24 (IANS): Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau along with US First Lady Melania Trump and UK’s Prince Harry inaugurated the Invictus Games for military veterans with disabilities or injuries here.
The eight-day event, established in 2014 by Prince Harry, includes over 550 injured soldiers and veterans from 17 countries competing in 12 adaptive sports, reports Efe news. This event marked the first solo foreign trip for Melania Trump.
Prior to the official opening of the third edition of the Invictus Games on Saturday evening, Melania Trump met Prince Harry for the first time. She invited Prince Harry to visit the White House at “any time”.
Melania Trump also met with Trudeau, his wife, Sophie-Gregoire, and their three children prior to the event. Afterwards, Melania Trump held a reception with the approximately 100 US competitors participating where she said: “On behalf of my husband and our entire country, I want to thank you and your families for all you have sacrificed to keep us safe.”
The opening ceremony of the Toronto Invictus Games also saw Prince Harry meet with his girlfriend, American actress Meghan Markle. Markle, who resides in Toronto, attended the opening ceremony but did not sit with Harry.
The American actress witnessed the opening ceremony sitting several rows behind, whilst Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and his wife Maryna; the Trudeau couple, Melania Trump, Prince Harry and Governor General of Canada David Johnston, and his wife Sharon sat together in the VIP area.
The Canadian Prime Minister said: “The Invictus Games are a unique and powerful way to honour those who have sacrificed so much on behalf of their country.
“They represent the best and deserve our gratitude forever. Over the next eight days, the Invictus Games will put the spotlight on the strength and resilience that characterized their service. Sophie and I wish every competitor the best of luck.”
The 2017 Invictus Games will conclude on September 30.
