First Lady Melania Trump arrived yesterday in Toronto on her first trip outside the United States without her husband since President Donald Trump took office in January.
She was leading a presidential delegation, including cabinet member David Shulkin, secretary of the Veteran Affairs Department, at the opening ceremonies for the third Invictus Games.
The Games are a competition for wounded military members and veterans.
The first lady was to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Britain’s Prince Harry, founder of the event, during the one-day trip.
Harry, a former British Army helicopter pilot who served two tours in Afghanistan, launched the Invictus Games in 2014 to encourage rehabilitation and respect for wounded service members.
The games in Canada are expected to have more than 550 participants from 17 allied countries in 12 sports, including several using wheelchairs.
The US team at the games has more than 80 competitors.
The event allows “wounded servicemen and women from many different countries to participate in adaptive sports competitions – something that should be lauded and supported worldwide,” Melania Trump said in July, in a statement announcing her travel plans.
The first Invictus Games were held in 2014 in London, followed by a 2016 competition in Orlando, Florida.
* Harry visits mental health hospital ahead of Invictus Games/Page 13
Law enforcement officers take mobile phone pictures after US First Lady Melania Trump arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport for the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games.