Poroshenko, Trudeau greet Ukraine’s Invictus Games team. Photos

As an Ukrinform correspondent reports, the gala reception was also attended by Canadian National Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan, Canadian Minister of Veterans Affairs Seamus O’Regan, members of the Canadian Federal Parliament, representatives of the Ukrainian community and numerous Ukrainian officials.

"These servicepeople represent the essence of the courageous spirit of the Ukrainian army. They are brave and strong, they support each other and are ready to sacrifice themselves for the sake of their sworn brothers and loved ones. They are real fighters. The story of each of them is an example of incredible will and determination," said Petro Poroshenko about the Ukrainian team.

In turn, the Prime Minister of Canada thanked the soldiers who are defending the peace. "The servicemen and women stay in the most dangerous places on the earth, fighting for our dear principles and values: peace, democracy, equality, justice and freedom, the same principles that Canadians and Ukrainians defend in Eastern Ukraine. We must not forget about the debt of gratitude we owe to men and women who bravely served their country," Trudeau said.

The Invictus Games is the only international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women, created by Britain's Prince Harry, in which former armed services personnel and their associated veterans take part in sports including wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and indoor rowing.

The Invictus Games 2017 will be held in Toronto, Canada, on September 24-30. The tournament will unite more than 550 wounded fighters from 17 countries who will compete in 12 adaptive sports disciplines. The team of 15 ATO veterans, who have undergone all the stages of national selection and special training, will represent Ukraine at the Invictus Games this year for the first time.

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