Taiwan Deaflympics FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: 21st Summer Deaflympics Taipei 2009
Date of Issue: 05 September 2009
Number: Com.315

The forerunner of the Deaflympics was the Deaf World Games, which were the first international games for athletes with a disability. In light of the Deaf World Games' scale and the special characteristics of deaf people's culture, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved the name change in May 2001. The ROC won the bid to host the 21st Summer Deaflympics Taipei 2009 from September 5 to 15, 2009. Athletes from some 80 nations will participate. To mark these games, Chunghwa Post is issuing a set of two commemorative stamps.

On the upper right corner of both stamps is the logo of the 21st Summer Deaflympics Taipei 2009. The design of the logo integrates the three major elements of the games: the Chinese character pei (which is part of the compound for Taipei), an ear (symbolizing the hearing impaired) and a person (symbolizing an athlete). The vignette of the NT$5.00-denominated stamp shows a badminton player and a runner set against a map of Taiwan and a pattern of dark and light rings suggesting sound waves. The composition conveys the idea that the 2009 Deaflympics are being held in Taipei. The NT$25.00-denominated stamp shows figures engaged in taekwondo and tennis set against a background of a stylized ear. Drawn in simple and soft lines, the stamp symbolizes the idea of "Taiwan walking out, and the world coming in." It conveys the inexhaustible vitality of Taiwan and the courage with which hearing-impaired athletes face challenges.