*From:* "Thompson, Krissah" <xxx@washpost.com> *Date:* September 23, 2017 at 4:53:00 PM EDT
*Subject:* *FLOTUS FOREIGN POOL #3*
After holding at the Toronto Ritz Carlton for about an hour FLOTUS returned to the Sheraton at 4:05 pm for a roughly 20 minute visit with U.S. athletes competing in the Invictus Games. She met them at a reception in a hotel ballroom.
She arrived and stood for a photo with the athletes, who wore polos and navy pants. Ken Fisher of the charity Fisher House introduced Mrs. Trump, who spoke for 1 minute and 15 seconds.
Here's a rough transcript of her remaks:
"Invictus means unconquered and pays tribute to your fighting spirit. You have given so much for your country. You truly are our heroes. 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. I also want to wish you good luck but I know you wont need it in these games. Take that fighting spirit that I know you have and bring home the gold.
God bless you. God bless your families and God bless the United States of America."
Following her remarks, FLOTUS shook hands with several athletes, including a seven or eight who approached her and asked for individual photos with their cellphones.
She then returned to the Ritz Carlton.
Odds and ends...
FLOTUS's entire meeting with Prince Harry lasted 20 minutes, per her Comms Director. FLOTUS invited him to visit next time he is in the U.S. and they ribbed each other about whose nation would take home the most medals.
Fisher House Foundation co-sponsored the reception at the Sheraton for the Invictus athletes and their families.
Wayne Newton was among those in FLOTUS's caravan and also attended the reception with the U.S. athletes competing in the Invictus Games. He is in the U.S. delegation to these games along with the following per an earlier WH statement:
The Honorable David Shulkin, Secretary of Veteran Affairs
The Honorable John Sullivan, Deputy Secretary of State
Ms. Elizabeth Moore Aubin, Charg dAffaires, U.S. Embassy Ottawa
Mrs. Karen Kelly, Gold Star Mother
Ms. Nancy Lopez, Professional Golfer
Mr. Wayne Newton, Entertainer, Chairman of the USO Celebrity Circle and Celebrity Spokesperson for the America Indian and Alaska Native Veterans Monument
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Krissah Thompson The Washington Post Staff Writer @krissah30
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