Tessy Antony, Princess of Luxembourg, has shown her support for the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The games will last from 14 to 21 March.
The Princess was invited by Luxembourg’s Special Olympics Team.
At the opening ceremony. Photo: Tessy Antony, Princess of Luxembourg
Princess Tessy and Prince Paul-Louis of Luxembourg at the opening ceremony. Photo: Tessy Antony, Princess of Luxembourg
Ahead of the opening ceremony, the Princess tweeted her pride for the Luxembourg team, “Pure admiration for the Luxembourg Team at this year’s Special Olympics.”
She went on to say that the energy in the arena for the opening ceremony was “breathtaking.”
Photo: Tessy Antony, Princess of Luxembourg
During the ceremony, she was also able to speak to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed – the son of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – who she described as a “kind man.”
Tessy with the Luxembourg team on day one. Photo: Tessy Antony, Princess of Luxembourg
Day one began with Tessy showing her support for Luxembourg’s tennis and boccia teams. She even took time to have lunch with her fellow countrymen before they went together to cheer on their basketball team. The team lost the game against Nigeria but went on to play Bangladesh the following day.
Her trip to Abu Dhabi also consisted of a visit to the Sheik Zayed Mosque. Tessy shared images of the mosque and its splendid architecture, calling it a “true masterpiece.”
Photo: Tessy Antony, Princess of Luxembourg
Her Royal Highness revealed she took time to pray at the mosque for all the victims of the New Zealand terror attack on two mosques in Christchurch. As a Christian, Tessy’s prayers at the mosque symbolised the unity of all religions against terrorism and standing up against violence in any form.
Tessy at the Semi-Marathon. Photo: Tessy Antony, Princess of Luxembourg
Photo: Tessy Antony, Princess of Luxembourg
She has attended various sporting events throughout the games. If an athlete comes up to her and asks her to watch their activity, she drops what she’s doing to make sure she’s there cheering them on.
Speaking to Royal Central, Tessy called the competitors “inspirational.”
Princess Tessy was able to watch her beloved Luxembourgers take home their first gold medal of the games on day two with Eike Shroeder taking home first place in the Semi-Marathon (21 km).
Writing a blog post for RTL on the Special Olympics, she said:
“The finishing line is approaching, with apples and medals on the ready for the winners. Here he comes – Eike – with an impressive time of 1h 30 min and 19 seconds (his record time is 1h 24min) hands high in the air. Emotions are strong. What an experience this must be for him. Minister Kersch and H.E the Ambassador of Luxembourg are also standing on the finish line and cheering for the winners (in my opinion everyone is a winner). Great time! Well done. Verdict of the morning — gold medal for Eike!”
With the Luxembourg football team. Photo: Tessy Antony, Princess of Luxembourg
Her Royal Highness also took in a football match on day two, sitting with the family and friends of the competitors. Sadly, Luxembourg lost out to Papa New Guinea but will play Hong Kong today.
“What I personally love about the Luxembourg athletes is that no matter what, they are always in a good spirit and hopeful — a true testimony of their sportsmanship,” she wrote.
Tessy and the Minister of Sports with Luxembourg’s gold medal winner in boccia. Photo: Tessy Antony, Princess of Luxembourg
Yesterday, Tessy was able to present the gold medal to an “incredible” Syrian woman in boccia. Luxembourg’s Sports Minister, Dan Kersch has accompanied Her Royal Highness on the trip and was able to present the gold to Luxembourger, Francois at the same afternoon ceremony.
A team member gives Tessy a kiss on the cheek after the award ceremony. Photo: Tessy Antony, Princess of Luxembourg
Today, she will attend another football game and a basketball game, as well.
Tessy was not the only Luxembourg royal at the event as Prince Paul-Louis de Nassau has also been in attendance. He is the 21-year-old son of Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg, the younger brother of Grand Duke Henri. Princess Noor of Liechtenstein was also there.
Princesses Tessy and Noor. Photo: Tessy Antony, Princess of Luxembourg
If you want to follow along with Princess Tessy’s trip in the UAE, she will be there through Wednesday and is regularly posting images and insights into her trip on her Twitter and Instagram.
