Special stamp issue: "Games of the XXXI Olympiad Rio 2016" (with photos)
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The Games of the XXXI Olympiad will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from August 5 to 21, making this the first time in Olympic history for the Olympiad to be held in South America, and 206 countries and regions will compete for 306 medals in 28 sports. Hongkong Post will issue a set of Olympics stamps to mark the occasion and to commemorate the participation of Hong Kong, China in this major international sports event.
The background colours of the four stamps in this stamp set - yellow, green, blue and red - are inspired by the five-ring Olympic symbol. Three of the stamps depict the Olympic Games events in which the Hong Kong, China Delegation has previously won or participated, namely cycling and athletics ($1.70 stamp), table tennis and badminton ($2.90 stamp) and windsurfing and swimming ($3.70 stamp). The remaining stamp ($5 stamp) depicts rugby and golf, which are newly introduced for the Games of the XXXI Olympiad. The silhouettes of athletes printed with a hot foil stamping effect convey the sense of speed and energy of the sports world.
The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China will also be issuing a prestige souvenir cover set with a theme of "Games of the XXXI Olympiad Rio 2016", which will contain a serviced prestige souvenir cover affixed with a set of four stamps on the Rio Olympiad and the Olympic pin to be worn by members of the Hong Kong, China Delegation when attending the event. The prestige souvenir cover set will be available for sale at all philatelic offices from August 5.
Official First Day Covers will be on sale at $1.20 each at all post offices from tomorrow (July 22). The stamps and the associated philatelic products will be displayed at the General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office, Sha Tin Central Post Office and Tuen Mun Central Post Office from the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided covers will be accepted at all philatelic offices from tomorrow to July 28.
Information about this special stamp issue is available on Hongkong Post's website at www.hongkongpost.hk and the Hongkong Post mobile app.
Ends/Thursday, July 21, 2016
Issued at HKT 9:30
Issued at HKT 9:30
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