Canadian rowers symbolize Olympic drive, hope on 2012 stamp

OTTAWA, June 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada Post, in collaboration with the Canadian Olympic Committee and Rowing Canada Aviron, today unveiled a stamp to honour Canada's journey on the road to the London 2012 Olympic Games. The stamp highlights the dynamic sport of rowing; a selection based on the consistent excellence displayed by the Canadian team and their perceived strength heading into London this summer.

"All of Canada's athletes demonstrate undeniable strength, excellence and desire in their sport," said the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport). "In every Olympic Games, our country's pride resides in our athletes and we thank them for their continued drive."

"Everyone in Canada will be watching our athletes as they compete on the world stage," said Mary Traversy, Canada Post's Senior Vice-President, Mail. "This stamp captures the power and tension of the sport of rowing, but also the beauty and the grace our athletes demonstrate constantly."

Rowing is one of the oldest Olympic sports. Originally planned for inclusion in the Athens 1896 Olympic Games, the event was cancelled due to weather and instead debuted in Paris in 1900. Canada's performance in rowing has garnered several Olympic medals over the years, most recently in 2008, when the team took home four medals - one gold, one silver, and two bronze.

"This commemorative stamp is another way for Canadians to connect with the outstanding athletes who make up the Canadian Olympic Team," said Christopher Overholt, CEO and Secretary General of the Canadian Olympic Committee. "We're delighted that this initiative will continue to heighten the conversation between Canadians and their Olympic heroes."

The stamp
Designed by Kosta Tsetsekas and Mike Savage of Signals Design, and illustrated by Keith Martin, the stamp features a double-scull boat gliding over a sheet of water. The boat appears to create its own wake as it moves, pushing out over the blue edge as if to show it crossing the finish line. The stamp measures 40 mm x 24 mm with 13+ perforations and is printed by Lowe-Martin on Tullis Russell paper using lithography in seven colours. The metallic ink was used to enhance the ripples in the water so it creates the illusion of movement as light plays across the surface of the stamp. The Official First Day Cover will be cancelled in Victoria, British Columbia. Four million self-adhesive stamps are available in booklets of 10.

Olympic products include a booklet of 10 stamps, a postcard, an Official First Day Cover, and a framed stamp print and are available at participating post offices, or online at canadapost.ca/collecting.  Additional information and photos can be found in the news section of Canada Post's website. Victoria, BC is the location of the Official First Day Cover cancel.

Image with caption: "London 2012 Olympic stamp (CNW Group/Canada Post)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120628_C4903_PHOTO_EN_15815.jpg

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Brayden Akers, Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State (Transport)
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