The event was attended by the 39 athletes and 17 coaches of the Luxembourg team, as well as Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the US Embassy, Alison Shorter-Lawrence; Chair of Special Olympics Pascale Schmoetten; and National Director of Special Olympics Luxembourg, Mark Feltgen - all of whom gave short congratulatory speeches.

Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Alison Shorter-Lawrence spoke of the beginnings of the Special Olympics, as a concept started in the 1950s by President Kennedy's sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, to combat the unfair treatment of people with disabilities. "At the event in Los Angeles starting 25 Jul, I understand there will be about 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches present," Shorter-Lawrence stated. "These are truly impressive numbers and I can't help but think how proud Eunice Shriver would be if she were here today to see what has become of her ideas."

Drawing on Shorter-Lawrence's announcement of the size of this year's Special Olympics, National Director of Special Olympics Luxembourg Mark Feltgen reported "In this case it's like the Olympic Games, it's the same number. It's not the same amount of money but the Opening Ceremony will definitely be the same."

This year's Opening Ceremony will feature special guests including Jimmy Kimmel, Avril Lavigne and Michael Phelps and will be attended by First Lady Michelle Obama.

The team expressed their excitement at their forthcoming trip to the U.S., and spoke of the community spirit demonstrated by the group as a whole. "It's like I'm part of a really big family," said Basketball player Ismini Pnevmatikaki, who at fifteen years old is the youngest member of Luxembourg's team.

"Hopefully we will bring a lot of good results and medals to Luxembourg," continued Feltgen, shortly before the athletes, coaches and sponsors left the Embassy for a special walk around the Rond-Point Schumann traffic circle, holding balloons and banners high.

The team will be leaving Luxembourg on 20 June 2015.

Photos By Sarah Graham (top:) Special Olympics Luxembourg team on walk, led by L-R: Chair of Special Olympics Pascale Schmoetten; Marc Feltgen, National Director of Special Olympics Luxembourg; Chargé d'Affaires Alison Shorter-Lawrence; (Bottom, L-R:) Marc Feltgen, National Director of Special Olympics Luxembourg; Chair of Special Olympics Pascale Schmoetten; Patricia Reckel of the Luxembourg American Embassy's Public Affairs Section; Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Alison Shorter-Lawrence