Paralympic Winter Games Stamps Available in Canada

Canada Post, an Official Supplier for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, recently unveiled their starting Olympic and Paralympic stamp line-up. The ten stamps are part of a three-year programme that, upon its completion, will be among Canada’s most significant philatelic milestones. In 2010, Canada Post plans to issue additional stamp designs honouring the Games. 15 Jan 2009 By IPC

"As these stamps find their way across this country, to the United States and around the world, people will know that Canada is the very proud host of the 2010 Winter Games," says Moya Greene, President and CEO of Canada Post.

For the first time in Canada's postage stamp history, the country's definitive stamp roster - almost a billion stamps - will focus on one theme. "As these stamps find their way across this country, to the United States and around the world, people will know that Canada is the very proud host of the 2010 Winter Games," says Moya Greene, President and CEO of Canada Post. "As a company so closely connected to the daily lives of all Canadians, we're thrilled to bring this level of awareness to the Games and we are honoured to share the pride in delivering the 2010 Winter Games with all of Canada and our employees."

The Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State and Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, participated in the unveiling. "With their vibrant designs, Canada Post's 2010 Winter Games stamps capture the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, as well as the people, places and character of the host nation-our beloved Canada”, he said.

The stamps were unveiled at Vancouver's Main Post Office to an enthusiastic crowd including students from Grandview Elementary School, some athletes and the stamps' designers. The event's highlight came as Vancouver 2010 mascots Sumi, Quatchi and Miga, unveiled life-size enlargements of their stamps, to the delight of the whole audience!

From iconic sports imagery to the beloved Vancouver 2010 mascots, 2010 Winter Games-themed stamps will include a great variety of themes, including five sports (Curling, Snowboard, Freestyle Skiing, Bobsleigh and Ice Sledge Hockey), the official Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games emblems, and the three Vancouver 2010 mascots Miga, Quatchi and Sumi.

The stamps, with the exception of the Sumi issue, are available now at post offices across Canada. The Sumi stamp will be on sale on 12 February.

For more information, please see the official website at www.vancouver2010.com and www.canadapost.ca.