Melania Trump makes first solo trip outside of US as first lady

First lady Melania Trump embarked on her first foreign trip since President Trump took office on Saturday, traveling to Toronto, Canada, where she will lead the U.S. delegation at the Invictus Games. 

Trump will meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and for the first time meet Britain’s Prince Harry, who established the Paralympic-style sports event in 2014 to draw attention to men and women who were injured in combat. 

{mosads}Five hundred and fifty competitors from 17 countries will compete in 12 sports at the event.

There are 100 American athletes competing in the games.

“In just two short years, the Invictus Games have allowed thousands of injured and wounded servicemen and women from many different countries to participate in adaptive sports competitions — something that should be lauded and supported worldwide. I am honored by the opportunity to represent our country at this year’s games,” the first lady said in a statement ahead of the trip. 

“She feels strongly that they – and their families – should be honored every day,” Trump’s communications director Stephanie Grisham said, adding that the first lady has “great admiration for the role the games have played in empowering those who have been injured while serving.”

Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin also traveled with the first lady to Canada on Saturday. 

Former first lady Michelle Obama led the American delegation to Orlando last year, while former second lady Dr. Jill Biden led the delegation to London in 2014. 

The trip is apart of a series of events the first lady has taken part in over the past week. 

The first lady delivered a speech at the U.N. General Assembly last week, in which she condemned bullying. 

“No child should ever feel hungry, stalked, frightened, terrorized, bullied or afraid with nowhere to turn.” pic.twitter.com/Z7F6JsSvGF

— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) September 21, 2017

Trump also accompanied the president to an event last week marking the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force last week, where she spoke with military families. 

Happy Birthday @USAirForce! Thank you to the heroes who protect us & the families who love them! pic.twitter.com/K88ik9be02

— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) September 18, 2017

The first lady held her first-ever event at the White House garden on Friday in which she was joined by members of the local Boys & Girls Club. 

The garden was established by former first lady Michelle Obama. 

Thank you @BGCGW Boys & Girls Club Washington for helping us plant & harvest @WhiteHouse Kitchen Garden today! #HealthyEating #HealthyLiving pic.twitter.com/1FdVHuvCYM

— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) September 22, 2017