Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

The Olympic Games is one of the most collected topic in thematic philately and has many followers all over the world. Postal authorities used to issue stamps featuring olympic sports, tradition and landmarks of the host city. This year, Beijing will host the Summer Olympic Games and we can observe many countries releasing stamps related to this topic. We will summarize here a couple of them.

With the issuance of a single 42c commemorative stamp, the U.S. Postal Service continues its tradition of honoring the spirit of athleticism and international unity inspired by the Olympic Games. Designed by Clarence Lee, this stamp features a drawing by artist Katie Doka of a gymnast surrounded by ribbon–like design elements. In the upper right corner of the stamp, the denomination is surrounded by a graphic element that resembles the ink mark created by a Chinese “chop,” a carved wooden stamp often used for signatures or seals. The five Olympic rings appear in the lower left corner.¹

The Australia's single 50c commemorative stamp features the mythical Chinese dragon which was a symbol of imperial power in China. Dragons can be seen on Chinese buildings and art, and the symbolic dragon plays an important role in cultural festivals and celebrations. The people of China often refer to themselves as “descendants of the dragon” and the Dragon is used around the world as a symbol of Chinese culture.²

Argentinean postal authority issued last March a set of 4 stamps featuring ciclismo de montaña (mountain biking), taekwondo (taekwondo), básquetbol (basketball) and salto con garrocha (pole vaulting).³

The passing of the Olympic flame is a ceremonious ritual for spreading the Olympic spirit of global friendship and peace. As the co-host city for the Equestrian Events of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Hong Kong is honoured to participate in this important tradition. To mark the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay in Hong Kong on 2 May 2008, Hongkong Post issues this souvenir cover in celebration of this spectacular event. The Torch Relay takes the theme "Journey of Harmony" to embody the Olympic ideal. The stamps was issed the 19th June.⁴

Many other countries issued sets related to Beijing 2008 such us Brazil, España, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Norway, and Siwss Post among others.

Notes
1. Jul 4, 2007, http://www.usps.com/
2. Jul 4, 2007, http://www.auspost.com.au/philatelic/stamps/intro.asp
3. Jul 4, 2007, http://www.correoargentino.com.ar/filatelia/2008.php
4. Jul 4, 2007, http://www.shopthrupost.hk